UN chief 'alarmed' by US strikes on Iran, EU urges return to talks

The reaction of world leaders after the United States struck three Iranian nuclear sites in Iran has ranged from the UN calling for de-escalation and Europe for returning to the negotiation table.

The strikes, carried out early Sunday, targeted key nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. US President Donald Trump said the mission aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities and prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.

Reacting swiftly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the US military action, calling it a "dangerous escalation" in an already volatile region.

"I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today," Guterres posted on social media. "There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world."

Guterres urged member states to uphold their obligations under international law and the UN Charter, warning that "there is no military solution" and that diplomacy remains the only viable path.

EU urges return to talks

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas said, "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation." She reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Kallas had met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday, alongside foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany. While the European delegation hoped to revive the 2015 nuclear accord framework, Araghchi insisted diplomacy could only resume "once the aggression is stopped."

"Iran's defence capabilities are non-negotiable," Araghchi said. "Our nuclear programme remains peaceful. Any attack on it violates international law."

After the US strikes, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also weighed in, calling for Iran to engage in a "credible diplomatic solution." 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened his security cabinet, with a government spokesperson stating that "large parts of Iran's nuclear programme were compromised" by the US strikes.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke again with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, called for "maximum restraint" from Iran and demanded a "clear commitment" to renounce nuclear weapons. 

Italy and the UK also joined calls for Iran to return to negotiations.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the US action, stating that Iran's nuclear programme is "a grave threat to international security," while urging a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

Arab states voice deep concern

Middle Eastern countries, particularly those involved in past mediation efforts, reacted strongly to the US strikes.

Oman, which had previously facilitated backchannel talks between Washington and Tehran, condemned the attacks and warned against further escalation. Saudi Arabia called the strike a "violation of Iran's sovereignty" and urged "maximum restraint." 

Qatar described the tensions as "dangerous" and warned of "disastrous repercussions."

Egypt said the military escalation risked dragging the region into "further chaos," and called for a political and diplomatic resolution. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun added that the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites could "threaten security and stability in more than one region and country."

Russia, Turkey slam US actions

Russia issued one of the strongest condemnations, calling the US strikes a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. "The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks... flagrantly violates international law," said Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Moscow called for an immediate halt to aggression and a return to diplomacy, warning that continued conflict could lead to broader instability.

Turkey warned that the US strikes had raised the risk of the regional conflict expanding globally. "A spread of the conflict into a wider global war must not be allowed," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, urging all parties to act with restraint.