By Okafor Joseph Afam | Publisher, SpringNewsNG | June 22, 2025

World leaders have issued strong reactions after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces carried out airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, including the highly fortified Fordo facility.

Trump made the declaration on Saturday via his Truth Social account, calling the operation a “very successful attack” and a turning point for U.S. and global security.

“This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR,” Trump posted.

Iran: “We Reserve All Options”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes in a statement on X, warning of long-term consequences.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences… Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” Araghchi said, calling the attack a violation of the UN Charter and international law.

He emphasized that the targeted nuclear facilities were for peaceful purposes under the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Israel: “Strength Comes First”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s actions as a historic shift in regional power.

“President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace,” Netanyahu stated shortly after the attack.

China, Russia, and Global Condemnation

China’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the airstrikes, labeling them a violation of international law and calling for immediate cessation of hostilities. Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev accused Trump of “starting a new war” despite his Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a grave warning about the global repercussions:

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

EU and UK Call for Diplomacy

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all parties to return to the negotiating table. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need for regional stability and encouraged diplomatic solutions, a sentiment echoed by France and Germany.

Middle East Reactions: Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Yemen

Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern over escalating tensions. Yemen’s Houthi movement and Lebanon’s presidency both condemned the U.S. airstrikes, warning of potential regional destabilization.

“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises fears of an escalation… that could threaten security in more than one region,” Lebanon’s presidency stated.

Asia-Pacific Voices: Japan, South Korea, Australia

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the need for calm and stressed that Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be checked without endorsing U.S. military actions. South Korea’s National Security Council met urgently, while Australia called for de-escalation and reiterated concerns over Iran’s missile program.

Latin America Responds: Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico

Venezuela and Cuba condemned the U.S. actions as dangerous violations of international law. Mexico’s foreign ministry appealed for a diplomatic resolution, reinforcing its long-standing pacifist stance.

Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace

Pope Leo added his voice during his Sunday address, warning against an “irreparable abyss” and calling for global diplomacy over warfare.

“No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future,” he said.