Sunday 22 / June / 2025
Washington DC: Many countries on Sunday condemned US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear reactors, emphasizing the imperative of diplomatic conflict resolution and maximum restraint to spare the region and its populations from the perils of war.
US President Donald Trump earlier announced strikes against three nuclear sites in Iran—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—claiming these facilities were "completely destroyed."
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), called for an emergency meeting today, citing the "urgent situation in Iran." The IAEA confirmed in a statement that no elevated radiation levels were detected outside the targeted sites post-strikes.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the U.S. use of force, urging member states to de-escalate and adhere to UN Charter’s obligations: "At this critical hour, chaos must be avoided. There is no military solution. Diplomacy is the only way forward. Peace is the only hope."
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi warned that the direct US strikes on Iranian nuclear installations would exacerbate tensions, jeopardising regional security. He reiterated the GCC’s call for an immediate ceasefire, de-escalation efforts, and diplomatic solutions, referencing Monday’s extraordinary ministerial statement condemning threats to regional stability.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) urged comprehensive diplomatic approaches to achieve stability, prosperity, and justice, while Qatar deplored the nuclear site bombings and demanded an immediate cessation of military operations in favour of dialogue. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) called for intensified international efforts toward a political resolution to usher in regional security. Kuwait expressed alarm over the strikes’ threat to global stability.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas urged all parties to "step back from escalation" and return to negotiations, noting EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation tomorrow (Monday). France, while stressing non-involvement in the strikes, advocated restraint and nuclear non-proliferation treaty-based negotiations.
Russia condemned the strikes as a "blatant violation of international law," demanding conditions for political and diplomatic re-engagement. Egypt warned of "grave consequences" for global security. Iraq cautioned that escalation poses "severe risks to regional stability."
