World reacts to U.S. attacks on Iran with UN leading call for de-escalation

The United States carried out attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran on Sunday, joining Israel's bombing campaign after days of speculation over U.S. involvement in the conflict.

"Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," Trump said in a televised address from the White House after the strikes.

The reaction of world leaders after the U.S. strike ranged from Israel lauding Trump's decision to the UN calling for de-escalation and Iran and some other nations condemning the attacks.

Here is a roundup of key reactions:

'Outrageous': Iranian foreign minister

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned the U.S. attacks as "outrageous" and said his country has the right to defend its sovereignty.

"The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations," he posted on X.

"The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he said, adding that the attacks were "lawless and criminal" behavior.

"In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people," the foreign minister said.

'A barbaric act': Atomic Energy Organization of Iran

Iran's atomic energy organization also called the U.S. attacks "a barbaric act that violates international law."

"The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran assures the great nation of Iran... it will not let the path of development of this national industry (nuclear), which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, be stopped," it said in a statement published by state media.

Netanyahu congratulates Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, saying the attacks will "help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace."

"Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that the attacks demonstrated "America has been truly unsurpassed."

He also told Israelis that his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities had been "fulfilled."

Hamas joins condemnations

Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned the "blatant U.S. aggression against the territory and sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

"This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation," Hamas said, calling the attack "a flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security."

'Beginning of war': the Houthi group

A Houthi official, Mohamed al-Farah, said the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities were the "beginning" of war, according to Al Jazeera.

'A dangerous escalation': UN chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge."

"At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos," Guterres said in a statement. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."

U.S. congresspeople warn of risk of war

The top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives accused Trump of pushing the United States toward war.

"President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East," Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement.

"Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action."

U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a Democratic representative of California, said on social media platform X that Trump's strikes against Iran are "not only unconstitutional but an escalation that risks bringing the U.S. into another endless and deadly war."

'Extremely worrying': New Zealand calls for diplomacy

New Zealand's foreign minister, Winston Peters, said the Middle East situation is "extremely worrying," and urged diplomacy.

"We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran," said Peters in a statement.

"Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided. New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy," said Peters.

"We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action."

Situation 'highly volatile': Australia

A spokesperson for the Australian government said in a statement that "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy."

"We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the U.S. President's statement that now is the time for peace," read the statement.

Mexico calls for de-escalation

The Mexican Foreign Ministry "urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict" in a post on X.

"In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country's pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region," according to the post.

The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority, it added.

Venezuela joins condemnation

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil slammed the U.S. strikes on social media.

"Venezuela Condemns U.S. Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities," Gil wrote on Telegram.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela "firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes," Gil wrote.

Cuba joins condemnations

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X that "We strongly condemn the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East."

The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences, Diaz-Canel said.

EU calls for a return to dialogue

European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, is calling for a return to dialogue.

"Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security," she said in a post on X.

"I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow," she added.

(With input from agencies)