The intensifying military confrontation involving the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran has triggered swift reactions from major global powers and multilateral institutions, including China, Russia, the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union.
The diplomatic responses follow a sharp escalation in hostilities after the United States joined Israel in launching strikes on Iran, reportedly targeting facilities linked to Tehran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme. Iran subsequently retaliated with missile attacks across the region, deepening fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
Russia condemns “unprovoked aggression”
In a strongly worded statement, Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “military aggression of the United States and Israel against Iran,” calling the action an unprovoked armed assault on a sovereign UN member state.
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Moscow argued that the attacks contradict earlier assurances that Israel had no intention of entering direct military confrontation with Iran. It urged the international community — particularly the UN leadership — to provide what it termed an objective and impartial assessment of the situation.
Russia further alleged that the operation aims to dismantle Iran’s constitutional order and remove its leadership for resisting external pressure. Warning of “uncontrolled escalation” in the Middle East, Moscow said the development could push countries in the region to pursue more dangerous countermeasures.
The ministry called for an immediate return to diplomacy, reiterating Russia’s readiness to support peaceful solutions grounded in international law and mutual respect.
China calls for immediate halt to strikes
China expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis. A spokesperson for Beijing’s Foreign Ministry emphasised that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected.
China called for an immediate cessation of military actions, restraint from all sides, and a swift resumption of dialogue and negotiations to preserve regional stability.
EU stresses nuclear safety, non-proliferation
President of the European Council, António Costa, described the developments as deeply concerning. He underscored the importance of safeguarding nuclear safety and preventing actions that could undermine the global non-proliferation regime.
The European Union, which has previously imposed sanctions on Iranian authorities and the Revolutionary Guards, reiterated its preference for a negotiated resolution to concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes. The bloc urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and comply fully with international law.
UN warns of threat to global peace
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation, stating that the use of force by the United States and Israel, along with Iran’s retaliation, undermines international peace and security.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to deliberate on the crisis. The session will be chaired by Britain, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency.
As the apex decision-making organ responsible for maintaining global peace and security, the Security Council includes China and Russia as permanent members alongside the United States, each wielding veto power — a dynamic that has historically reflected sharp foreign policy divisions among major powers.
African Union raises economic concerns
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the reported strikes inside Iran as a serious intensification of hostilities.
He called for urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue, stressing adherence to the UN Charter. The AU warned that further instability could disrupt global energy markets, exacerbate food insecurity, and undermine economic resilience — particularly in Africa, where several countries are already grappling with conflict and fiscal pressures.
Airspace closures across the region
The escalation has also disrupted civil aviation. Countries including Israel, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan announced full or partial airspace closures as a precaution.
The Middle East remains one of the world’s busiest aviation and commercial corridors, linking Europe and Asia through major hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Prolonged instability could therefore have significant implications for global travel, trade and investment flows.
With diplomatic rhetoric hardening and military activity continuing, global attention is now focused on whether multilateral engagement can prevent the crisis from spiralling into a wider regional war.
