Other Nations Warn Conflict Could Spread

Several close US allies are among the nations urging a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran on Saturday that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while Russia was among those offering an ominous reaction. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that "this conflict could rapidly get out of control—with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world." His post on X called for de-escalation, the AP reports. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy," he added. Responses came from:

• China: The US strikes were a serious violation of international law, Foreign Ministry said in calling for a ceasefire and talks. "China is willing to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East," the ministry said.

• The UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East as he called for a diplomatic solution, saying stability was the priority in the Middle East. Iran's nuclear program posed a grave threat to global security, he said. "Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat."
• Russia: The Foreign Ministry said it "strongly condemned" the US airstrikes, calling them "a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions." Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of President Vladimir Putin's Security Council, said several countries are prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons. He didn't say which nations. Medvedev said the bombing caused minimal damage and would not stop Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.
• Iraq: In condemning the strikes, the government said they created serious risks to regional stability with possible "consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state."
• Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned of "grave repercussions" for expanding the Middle East conflict and urged a return to negotiations.
• Saudi Arabia: The government, which previously condemned Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leaders, expressed "deep concern" about the US bombing but stopped short of condemnation.
• Qatar: Home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, Qatar said it regrets the escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war and urged restraint. Its Foreign Ministry in a statement urged avoiding tragic humanitarian repercussions."

• Pakistan: Less than 24 hours after announcing it nominated Trump for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan's government condemned the US attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's office said it was "a serious violation of international law."
• European Union: Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon but urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.
• European Council: "Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation," President Antonio Costa said. "The EU will continue engaging with the parties and our partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table."
• Latin America: Left-wing governments expressed fierce opposition to the US strikes. Iran-allied Venezuela called the attacks "illegal, unjustifiable and extremely dangerous." Colombian President Gustavo Petro said they were an insult to the Middle East. Chile's President Gabriel Boric said they violated "rules we have established as humanity." Mexico's Foreign Ministry made "an urgent call for peace." In contrast, Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei, an ally of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised the attacks on social media.
• The Vatican: Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, calling for international diplomacy to "silence the weapons."

(More US strikes Iran stories.)