Calls for de-escalation: World reacts to Israel's strikes on Iran

The US, Britain and the European Union called for "de-escalation" after Israel on Saturday hit military targets across Iran in deadly retaliatory strikes as Muslim countries and Russia blamed Israel for exacerbating the conflict.

Israeli planes hit military bases, missile sites, and other systems in several Iranian regions in retaliation for a missile barrage earlier this month. Iran said two soldiers died in the attacks. Iranian media reported multiple explosions over several hours in the capital and at nearby military bases, starting shortly after 2am (2.30am UAE time).

Following are reactions of regional as well as other countries amid the risk of a wider escalation between Israel and Iran in a region already on fire with warfare in Gaza and Lebanon.

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US

The United States urged Iran to stop attacking Israel and break the cycle of violence "without further escalation".

Israel's"response was an exercise in self-defense and specifically avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, contrary to Iran's attack against Israel that targeted Israel's most populous city," National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters, stressing that the United States did not participate in the operation.

"It is our aim to accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region," he said.

Britain

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for "de-escalation" and said Iran should not respond to Israel's strikes.

"I think we need to be really clear that Israel does have the right to defend itself, but we are urging, and have been urging all sides to show restraint, and that is why I am very clear today, Iran should not be responding to this," Starmer said.

European Union

The European Union warned against "the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation" which could lead to a full-scale regional war.

"While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defence, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which is in no one's interest," the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

Russia

Russia urged all sides to exercise restraint and warned of a "catastrophic scenario". "We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence and prevent events from developing into a catastrophic scenario," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, warning of an "explosive escalation".

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and denunciation of the military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and a contravention of international laws and norms," Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.

"The Kingdom affirms its firm position in rejecting the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict that threatens the security and stability of the countries and people of the region," it added.

Oman

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman's strong condemnation and denunciation of the airstrike launched by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran this morning, which constitutes a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a clear breach of the rules of international law," Oman's foreign ministry said in a post on X.

Qatar

"The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of Israel's targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering this act a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of the principles of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Qatar's deep concern regarding the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation, it urges all concerned parties to exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, and avoid anything that could destabilize security and stability in the region.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar's call for the international community to intensify efforts aimed at de-escalation, reducing tensions, and ending the suffering of the peoples of the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon."

Egypt

Egypt is gravely concerned over the escalation in the Middle East including the Israeli air attack on Iran, and condemns all measures that threaten regional security and stability, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Kuwait

The State of Kuwait expresses its strong condemnation and rejection of the Israeli aggression that targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran at dawn today, which reflects the policy of chaos pursued by the Israeli occupation forces by violating the sovereignty of states, endangering the security of the region, and violating the principles of international law, norms and international charters. The State of Kuwait renews its call on the international community and the Security Council to assume their responsibilities to stop these practices that threaten the future of the region and its peoples, and stresses the need to take serious steps to maintain regional security and stability, in accordance with international laws and charters."

• Israel retaliates, launches attacks against Iran as explosions rock Tehran