The United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions and drawing a wave of international responses. The strikes followed days of speculation over possible U.S. involvement in Israel’s ongoing offensive against Iran.
In a televised address, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, said, “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace.”
Iran Condemns Strikes, Vows Response
Iran denounced the strikes as unlawful and warned of long-term repercussions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attacks as “outrageous” and said they would carry “everlasting consequences.”
“In accordance with the UN Charter… Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people,” Araghchi said on X.
Iran’s atomic energy agency also condemned the attacks, calling them “barbaric” and affirming its commitment to continue developing the national nuclear program.
Israel Backs U.S. Action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the strikes, calling them a fulfilment of his longstanding pledge.
“Your bold decision… will change history,” Netanyahu said in a message to Trump. “America has been truly unsurpassed.”
Regional Tensions Rise
Iraq criticised the attacks, warning they threaten regional peace. Government spokesman Basim Alawadi said, “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East.”
Saudi Arabia voiced “great concern” over the developments, urging restraint and diplomatic engagement. The Saudi foreign ministry said, “It expresses the need to exert all efforts to de-escalate.”
Hamas, UN Denounce Escalation
The Palestinian group Hamas called the strikes “a dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge,” urging all parties to avoid a “spiral of chaos” and return to diplomacy.
EU, UK Push for Talks
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on all sides to de-escalate and resume negotiations. “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” she said, noting EU foreign ministers will meet Monday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the call, urging Iran to return to the negotiating table. “The US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” he added.
U.S. Democrats Criticise Trump
In Washington, top Democrats condemned Trump’s decision. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the former president bypassed Congress and risked plunging the U.S. into another Middle East war.
“Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action,” Jeffries said.
IAEA: No Radiation Detected
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said no rise in radiation had been recorded at the targeted sites—Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz—following the strikes. “No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported,” the agency confirmed.
Iran’s foreign ministry, in a separate statement, accused Washington of ignoring international law in its support for Israel. “The U.S. will stop at no illegality or crime,” it said.
The developments mark a sharp escalation in a region already fraught with tensions, as international leaders scramble to contain the fallout and prevent further confrontation.
