"The Iranian regime must understand that it has no choice"

What politicians from different countries say about the new war

UAE Ministry of Defense

The ministry strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the UAE's categorical opposition to any attacks on civilian targets, infrastructure and national institutions. It was stated that such actions constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability.

The ministry also said that the attack is a gross violation of national sovereignty and international law, stressing that the UAE reserves the full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to ensure the sovereignty, security and stability of the country.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely and comprehensively monitoring developments in the security situation in a number of areas where there is tension. It calls on our citizens in the areas affected by the attacks to exercise utmost caution, strictly adhere to the safety instructions issued by the competent authorities, stay in safe places and avoid dangerous areas. […] The safety of Iraqis abroad remains a priority in all of the Department's actions and communications.

Badr Al Busaidi , Foreign Minister of Oman

I'm confused. Active and serious negotiations were once again disrupted. This is neither in the interests of the United States nor in the cause of world peace. And I pray for the innocent people who will get hurt. I urge the United States not to allow itself to be dragged in any further. This is not your war.

Nawaf Salam , Prime Minister of Lebanon

According to Reuters, Nawaf Salam said he would not allow anyone to drag “the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.” He also noted the "serious developments" in the region and called on "all Lebanese to act wisely and patriotically, putting Lebanon and the interests of the Lebanese people above any other considerations." The publication notes that these comments can be regarded as indirect support for the Lebanese armed movement Hezbollah.

Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission; Antonio Costa, President of the European Council

In a joint statement they noted that events in Iran are of "grave concern".

Ensuring nuclear security and preventing any actions that could further exacerbate tensions or undermine the global nonproliferation regime is critical.

The European Union has adopted sweeping sanctions in response to the actions of the murderous Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is consistently promoting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the nuclear and ballistics programs through negotiations.

The EU leadership called on all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law.”

Kaja Kallas , head of European diplomacy

Recent events in the Middle East are extremely dangerous. The Iranian regime has killed thousands of people. Its ballistic and nuclear programs and support for terrorist groups seriously threaten global security. The EU adopted tough sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including the nuclear issue.

I spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and other ministers in the region. The EU is also working closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic avenues. The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law are a priority.

Russian Foreign Ministry

On the morning of February 28, the US and Israeli armed forces began launching air strikes on Iranian territory. The scale and nature of the military-political and propaganda preparations that preceded this reckless step, including the deployment of a large US military group to the region, leave no doubt that this is a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.

It is also condemnable that the attacks are again being carried out under the guise of the renewed negotiation process, supposedly designed to ensure long-term normalization of the situation around the Islamic Republic, and despite the signals conveyed to the Russian side about the Israelis’ lack of interest in a military confrontation with the Iranians.

The international community, including the leadership of the UN and IAEA, is obliged to immediately give an objective and uncompromising assessment of irresponsible actions aimed at destroying peace, stability and security in the Middle East. Washington and Tel Aviv have once again started a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region closer to a humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological disaster.

The intentions of the aggressors are clear and they declare it quite openly - to destroy the constitutional order and destroy the leadership of a state they dislike, which refused to submit to forceful dictatorship and hegemony. Responsibility for the negative consequences of a man-made crisis, including an unpredictable chain reaction and a spiral of violence, lies entirely with them.

The grave consequences of these ill-considered steps for the global non-proliferation regime, of which the NPT is the cornerstone, are openly ignored. At the same time, the American-Israeli tandem hides behind an imaginary concern that the Iranians do not acquire nuclear weapons. Bombing nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards is unacceptable.

In fact, Washington and Tel Aviv have motives that have nothing to do with the nonproliferation regime. They cannot fail to understand that, by plunging the Middle East into the abyss of uncontrolled escalation, they are actually encouraging countries around the world, especially in the region, to acquire more and more serious means against emerging threats.

Of particular concern is the serial nature of the destabilizing attacks carried out by the US Administration over the past months on the international legal pillars of the world order, including non-interference in internal affairs, renunciation of the threat or use of force, and peaceful resolution of international disputes.

We demand that the situation be immediately returned to the mainstream of a political and diplomatic settlement. Russia, as before, is ready to assist in the search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests.

Dmitry Medvedev , Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation

The peacemaker once again showed his face. All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. Nobody doubted this. Nobody particularly wanted to negotiate anything. The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is some 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let's see in 100 years...

Emmanuel Macron , President of France

The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran has serious consequences for peace and international security. At this critical moment, every effort is being made to ensure the security of the national territory, our compatriots, and our interests in the Middle East.

France is also ready to deploy the necessary means to protect its closest partners at their request. The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no choice but to negotiate in good faith to end its nuclear and ballistic program and efforts to destabilize the region. This is absolutely necessary for the safety of everyone in the Middle East.

The Iranian people must also be able to shape their future freely. The massacres carried out by the Islamic regime deprive it of the right to vote and demand the return of voting rights to the people. The sooner the better.

In accordance with its principles, aware of its international obligations, France demands the urgent convening of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and friends in the Middle East.

Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany

The New York Times reports that Israel informed Germany in advance of the upcoming strikes, German government spokesman Friedrich Merz said on Saturday. He is “closely monitoring developments and is in close coordination with European partners.” The statement expressed neither support nor disagreement with the strikes, the newspaper notes.

UK government

A UK government source told Reuters the country was not involved in the February 28 strikes and Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold an emergency committee (COBRA) meeting on Saturday. A government spokesman said in a statement:

Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and that is why we have continually tried to reach negotiated solutions. As part of our long-standing commitment to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a number of defensive capabilities in the region that we have recently enhanced. We are ready to defend our interests.

Espen Bart Eide , Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Reuters writes that Espen Bart Eide is “deeply concerned” that strikes against Iran in the region are starting a new, large-scale war in the Middle East - and called for restraint (he spoke with the editors by mail):

Israel calls the attack a pre-emptive strike, but it does not comply with international law. Preemptive strikes require an immediate and imminent threat.

Anthony Albanese , Prime Minister of Australia

It has long been recognized that Iran's nuclear program poses a threat to world peace and security. The international community has made it clear: the Iranian regime must under no circumstances be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The UN Security Council reimposed sanctions on Iran for non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the IAEA Board of Governors formally declared Iran to be in violation of non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

We support United States action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to prevent it from continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Mark Carney , Prime Minister of Canada

Canada supports the United States' efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to prevent its regime from continuing to threaten international peace and security.

Chinese Foreign Ministry

China is extremely concerned about the military strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected. China calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, prevention of further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiations, and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

Vladimir Zelensky , President of Ukraine

Now we see that events in the Middle East and the Gulf region are unfolding very rapidly. Unfortunately, Ukraine knows too well what we are talking about. Although the Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime itself chose the path of complicity with Putin and supplied him with “martyrs” - not only with the drones themselves, but also with technology.

Iran supplied Russia with other weapons. In total, during this full-scale war, the Russians used more than 57 thousand Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine - against our people, our cities, our energy. Other nations also suffered from terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to get rid of the terrorist regime and guarantee the security of all peoples who have suffered from terror of Iranian origin.

Our position is well known, and Ukraine has spoken about this several times, including the day before. It is important to save as many lives as possible. It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is determined. And whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken.

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Cover photo: Tasnim News Agency / ZUMA Press Wire / Scanpix / LETA