
US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites: Who backed, who condemned, and who raised concerns? Full list
The United States' overnight airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities — including the heavily fortified Fordow site — have triggered a wave of global political reaction, marking a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions. While the Biden administration hailed the strikes as a targeted blow against Iran's nuclear ambitions, reactions from lawmakers and world leaders have ranged from full-throated support to strong condemnation and deep concern. From Washington to Tehran, and Tel Aviv to Brussels, the world is now watching how this volatile moment could reshape geopolitics and possibly push the region closer to wider conflict.
Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump's decision, calling it a "pivot of history."
'President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons,' Netanyahu said.
'In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things, but in tonight's action against Iran's nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed.'
Signs reading "Thank you, Mr President" appeared in Tel Aviv, reflecting public support.
Republican leaders in the US: Several Republican lawmakers strongly backed the strikes.
'This was the right call. The regime deserves it. Well done,' said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
'We have the best Air Force in the world. Fly, Fight, Win.'
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) compared the decision to President Obama's military actions in Libya and Yemen.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): 'Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.'
Vice President JD Vance: "We are not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program."
"Ukraine is convinced that Iran's nuclear programme must be stopped..." the foreign ministry stated.
Progressive Democrats and Independents:
'The President's disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorisation is a grave violation of the Constitution,' said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). "It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment."
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) echoed her concerns:
'The only entity that can take this country to war is the US Congress. The president does not have the right.'
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) called the strikes "not constitutional."
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): Though a Trump ally, she urged for peace:
'Let us join together and pray for the safety of our U.S. troops and Americans in the Middle East.'
Iran: Tehran condemned the strikes as "criminal aggression."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend Iran's territory... by all force and means."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Trump a "lawless bully" and said he had betrayed his own voters.
'Grossly violates international law,' said the Foreign Ministry, condemning damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
China's foreign ministry "strongly condemns" the strikes, saying they "seriously violate" the UN charter.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stopped short of endorsing the strikes. "Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon... We must now de-escalate the situation."
Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated: 'The UK did not participate in these strikes. We urge Iran to show restraint.'
European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: "Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon... I urge all sides to step back."
France President Emmanuel Macron called Iranian President Pezeshkian to urge restraint: "This is the only path to peace and security for all."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "gravely alarmed." 'There is a growing risk this conflict could rapidly get out of control.'
Saudi Arabia called for "diplomatic solutions" and warned of "highly sensitive circumstances."
Canada PM Mark Carney said the region remains "highly volatile" despite the intent to neutralise nuclear threats.
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Indian Express
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Netanyahu says Israel close to meeting its goals in Iran
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Economic Times
34 minutes ago
- Economic Times
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The United States military attacked Iranian nuclear sites amid the Iran-Israel conflict. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth criticised the previous administration's (Biden) policies. He suggested these policies pushed Iran, North Korea, and China closer. There is worry about a possible coordinated response from these nations. The US military has increased alert levels in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blamed the Biden administration for driving Iran, North Korea, and China into closer strategic alignment, and didn't rule out the possibility of a coordinated attack from them. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Following the United States ' military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blamed the Biden administration for driving Iran, North Korea, and China into closer strategic a press briefing after the operation, Hegseth did not rule out the possibility that the three countries could coordinate a retaliatory attack on the United States, a concern within the defense establishment over an emerging anti-US axis, especially after the US attacks on Iran.'Unfortunately, with the policies of the previous administration, it drove those together, which created a challenging environment,' Hegseth said, referring to growing military cooperation between Iran and North added that the current military operation on Iran is focused solely on Iran and its nuclear elaborating on China's potential role, Hegseth shifted focus to reiterate President Trump's long-held stance that Iran must never obtain a nuclear said Trump views the current moment, after prolonged diplomatic deadlock, as the 'perfect opportunity' to pursue a direct military remarks clarify Washington's worry about deepening ties among adversarial states. Iran and North Korea have long been reported to share missile technology and nuclear research, while China has maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations with Beijing has not made any military commitments, analysts warn that a coordinated backlash from these countries cannot be ruled Pentagon has raised alert levels at several American military installations across the Middle East and Indo-Pacific region, anticipating possible retaliation through both state and proxy US military conducted ' Operation Midnight Hammer ' on Saturday, an operation against Iran involving over 125 aircraft. This mission included a deception tactic: bombers were deployed over the Pacific as a operation involved seven stealth B-2 bombers. The bombers dropped more than a dozen 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on two Iranian nuclear facilities, Fordow and Natanz, Caine said. Tomahawk missiles were launched at foreign minister accused Washington of crossing a "very big red line" and expressed skepticism about the prospects for diplomacy. President Donald Trump has warned that the US may launch further attacks if Iran does not seek peace.


Economic Times
34 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Ripples spread across the world after US strikes Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan
Trump Calls It a 'Spectacular Success' Live Events Iran Threatens Retaliation, Closes Strait of Hormuz Gulf States on Alert, Europe Calls for Restraint Russia and China Condemn Strikes, Israel Praises Action Global Watch: IAEA, DHS React (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In the Iran-Israel conflict, the United States launched airstrikes on Iran's key nuclear sites at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan in the early hours of Sunday. Using bunker-busting bombs, the US strikes mark a dangerous escalation, raising fears of a wider war in the Middle the airstrikes, US President Donald Trump said: 'Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace' or face more devastating Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth added: 'The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear programme.'Despite the aggressive move, the Pentagon said the US was not seeking full-scale war with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded strongly: 'There would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated.'Iran's Parliament has approved a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which 20% of the world's oil passes. The final decision rests with Iran's Supreme National Security Council.'The US showed they have no respect for international law. They only understand the language of threat and force,' Araghchi said in Istanbul, calling for the UN Security Council to condemn the across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, raised their security levels. Bahrain warned drivers to avoid main roads, while Kuwait opened emergency shelters. Nuclear safety agencies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia reported no signs of Europe, Britain, France, and Germany jointly said: 'We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security.'They urged Iran to return to talks, offering to help find a solution.'We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties.'Russia and China issued strong condemnations of the US Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'Trump's decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the US will change history.'Shortly after the US airstrikes, Iran fired more missiles at Israel, injuring many in Tel Aviv and destroying buildings. However, Iran has not yet attacked US military bases or tried to block oil exports completely, signs it may be trying to avoid total International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said no rise in radiation had been detected. Its head, Rafael Mariano Grossi, called an emergency meeting of the board.A US Department of Homeland Security alert warned of a 'heightened threat environment' within the country following the satellite images showed damage above Fordo and nearby entrances, it is unclear how much of the underground site was hit. Iran reportedly moved some enriched uranium out before the from agencies