In brief
Leaders across the globe are expressing concerns following the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which have escalated the ongoing conflict and raised fears of broader implications for the region. Below is a summary of global leaders’ responses to these developments.
The U.N.'s secretary-general, António Guterres, articulated deep concern over the strikes, labeling them as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens international peace. He emphasized the potential for rapid escalation and catastrophic consequences for civilians and the region at large.In Britain, Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted the necessity of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, framing the U.S. action as a means to mitigate this risk. He urged Iran to engage in diplomatic discussions.Australia echoed a similar sentiment, underlining the dangers associated with Iran's nuclear ambitions while calling for diplomatic solutions to ease tensions. Their stance aligns with previous comments by President Trump.New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the alarming nature of ongoing military actions and stressed the urgent need for diplomatic approaches to avert further escalation.In South Korea, top national security officials are evaluating the implications of the strikes on national security and economic stability, demonstrating the widespread concern regarding regional instability.Mexico's Foreign Ministry also voiced its support for diplomatic dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, reiterating calls for de-escalation.Leaders from Cuba, Chile, and Venezuela condemned the U.S. strikes, emphasizing their illegality and potential for escalating conflict. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned of dire global consequences, while Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil called the actions illegal and unjustifiable.As international leaders grapple with these developments, the prospect of escalating tensions looms large, with a collective desire for peaceful resolutions remaining paramount in this volatile context. Yan Zhuang is a reporter covering breaking news from Seoul.
