US and Israel strike Iran as world leaders split sharply on response

World leaders reacted quickly on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, revealing a deep divide between governments that support the attack on Iran and those that warn of the risk of a broader regional war.

In a joint statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed their strong support, saying: “Canada supports the United States in acting to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.” The statement describes Iran as “the leading source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East” and emphasizes that it “must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also endorsed the action, writing on X: “Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their fight against oppression. » He confirmed that Australia supports “the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon”, while activating emergency consular measures and urging Australians to leave Iran if it is safe.

The UK has said Iran “must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon”. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he was speaking with the leaders of France and Germany “as part of a series of calls with allies.”

A person holds an image of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iranian demonstrators protest against US-Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency))

French President Emmanuel Macron warned: “The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran has serious consequences for international peace and security. » He added: “The ongoing escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop,” and called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the situation “perilous,” saying “Iran’s ballistic and nuclear missile programs… pose a serious threat to global security,” while emphasizing that “the protection of civilians and international humanitarian law are a priority.”

Spain has openly rejected the strikes. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said: “We reject the unilateral military action of the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order. »

Meanwhile, Gulf states have responded to reported Iranian missile activities.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest possible terms the blatant Iranian aggression and blatant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. » He affirmed “his full solidarity and unwavering support for brotherly countries” and warned of “the serious consequences resulting from the continued violation of the sovereignty of States and the principles of international law”.

The UAE Defense Ministry said the country “was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” adding that air defense systems “managed to intercept a number of missiles.” Authorities said falling debris in a residential area caused “the death of a civilian of Asian nationality” and property damage.

The ministry called the attack “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability,” and said the UAE “fully reserves the right to respond.”

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Smoke rises after Iranian missile attacks, following US and Israeli strikes against Iran, in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. (Reuters)

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar “strongly condemned the unjustified attacks on Iran” and called for “an urgent resumption of diplomacy.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held phone calls with his regional counterparts, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. Discussions focused on “possible steps to help stop the attacks.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly linked these events to Russia’s war against his country.

“Although the Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with ‘shahed’ drones,” Zelensky wrote, adding that Russia used “more than 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people.”

“It is important that the United States acts decisively,” he said. “Every time the United States shows resolve, global criminals become weaker.”

Russia strongly criticized this operation. Dmitry Medvedev, vice president of the Russian Security Council, said: “All negotiations with Iran are a cover-up.”

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An interception is visible in the sky over Haifa during the final barrage. (Anthony Hershko/TPS-IL)

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned: “We will not accept anyone leading the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike “does not comply with international law.”

Reuters contributed to this report.

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