LONDON: International leaders reacted sharply on Saturday after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns about regional stability.
US President Donald Trump said the objective of the operation was to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
Responding to the developments, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev criticised Washington, suggesting that previous negotiations with Iran had not been pursued in good faith. In remarks shared publicly, Medvedev questioned the long-term consequences of the confrontation and referenced the historical legacy of Iran.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned against any actions that could draw Lebanon into wider regional conflict. He stated that Lebanon would not accept being dragged into ventures that threaten its security and national unity.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said that while Israel had described the strike as preventive, such actions must meet strict criteria under international law. He noted that preventive attacks require the presence of an immediate and imminent threat.
The strikes have prompted widespread diplomatic reactions, with several countries calling for restraint and urging all parties to avoid further escalation that could destabilise the broader Middle East region.