Global Reactions Pour In: World Reacts to US Bombing Iran
On June 22, 2025, the United States escalated tensions in the Middle East by launching airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Utilizing B‑2 Spirit bombers and GBU‑57 bunker-buster bombs, President Trump declared the mission a “spectacular military success,” claiming Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure was “completely obliterated.” The strikes marked the most significant U.S. military action against Iran since its 1979 revolution.
Global Reactions
1. Iran’s Leadership: “Outrageous” & “Everlasting Consequences”
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strike as a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter and Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty and warned of “everlasting consequences,” emphasizing that Iran “reserves all options” to defend itself.
- The Iranian parliament even voted to consider shutting the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil flow.
2. Israel & U.S. Hawks: Strong Support
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the strikes as a “historic turning point,” commending Trump’s decisive action “to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons”.
- U.S. hawks, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, backed the move, while President Trump insisted the goal was not regime change but halting nuclear threats.
3. United Nations: Alarmed
- UN Secretary‑General António Guterres described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation” posing direct threats to international peace, urging immediate diplomacy.
4. Major Global Powers: Condemnation & Calls for Restraint
- Russia and China condemned the strikes, calling them irresponsible and illegal, fearfully citing parallels with the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
- European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy) emphasized preventing Iran’s nuclear arsenal but urged diplomatic engagement over military action.
- Middle Eastern neighbors such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman warned the strikes risked destabilizing regional security .
5. Iran-Aligned Militants: Retaliation Promised
- Proxy groups like Hamas and the Houthis denounced the strikes as “American aggression,” pledging to join Iran in armed resistance.
- Iran’s IRGC also announced readiness to respond in kind.
6. Other Key Voices
- Turkey, India, Japan, Vatican and other nations called for restraint and caution, warning that a wider regional war could spiral without diplomatic impetus.
- U.S. Congress reactions were split: some Republicans praised Trump, while Democrats including Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez challenged the legality of unilateral action without Congressional approval.
What Comes Next
| Concern | Details |
|---|---|
| Iran’s Retaliation | Expected missile strikes on Israel and possibly U.S. bases; Tehran vows to defend itself. |
| Strait of Hormuz | Iranian parliament touching on closing the strategic oil passage potential domino effect on global markets . |
| Diplomacy vs. Escalation | While world leaders urge negotiation, Tehran has frozen diplomatic dialogue until after retaliation . |
| Global Stability at Stake | UN and major powers fear the situation could spiral into a full-scale regional conflict with global repercussions. |
In Summary
The world reaction to US bombing Iran has been polarized:
- Support from U.S. hawks and Israel, who hail the strikes as vital to countering nuclear threats.
- Strong condemnation from Iran, Russia, China, and many global and regional actors citing international law and fears of wider war.
- Urgent diplomatic appeals from the UN, EU, and other neutrals, emphasizing the importance of negotiation.
- Potential flashpoints remain: Iranian retaliation, the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and escalating regional conflict.
As tensions rise, the global community watches closely hoping diplomatic channels can avert irreversible escalation.
Sources:
UN documents on Secretary‑General statements
IAEA reports on nuclear site status
Official statements from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
US Department of Defense operation summaries
Congressional press releases on war authority and oversight
