Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion in a residence compound after Israel attacked Iran's capital Tehran, Friday, June 13, 2025. Photo: VCG

Major countries in the world on Friday expressed concerns over the escalation in the Middle East after Israel launched strikes against Iran, causing multiple casualties and damages. 

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that its jets completed the first-stage attack, notably striking dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in various parts of Iran, according to Xinhua News Agency. 

Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were reportedly assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. The Israeli airstrikes also killed at least six nuclear scientists, Iran's Tasnim news agency said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address that the goal of the ongoing operation is to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile factories, and its military capabilities, and will continue "for as many days as it takes," according to multiple media reports. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "any military escalation in the Middle East," said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesperson, in a statement on Israel's strikes against Iran, according to a Xinhua report. Noting UN member states are obligated to act in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, the secretary-general urged both sides to show maximum restraint and avoid descent into deeper conflict - a situation that the region can hardly afford, the statement added.

A majority of Middle Eastern countries have expressed concern and condemned Israel's attack on Iran. 

Oman, which has been mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran over recent months, decried Israel's attacks as a "dangerous and reckless escalation" that "violates the principles of international law". It added that the attack represents "unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behavior that undermines the foundations of stability in the region." 

According to Al Jazeera, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry called the Israeli strikes on Iran a clear violation of international law and norms. "While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression," the ministry said in a statement.

The United Arab Emirates' Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran, expressing deep concern over stability and security in the region. Jordan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attacks, Jordan's Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the strikes, calling it a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a United Nations member state and a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter, according to media reports.  

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday that China was deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran and urged de-escalation for regional peace and stability.

"China opposes any violation of Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict. The renewed sharp escalation of the regional situation is not in the interest of any party," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing.

Lin also said China is willing to play a constructive role in helping to de-escalate the situation.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that "Russia is concerned about the developments and condemns this sharp escalation," according to a Tass report.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran and Israel to "step back and reduce tensions urgently", calling the strikes "concerning". He said escalation serves no one in the region, according to the BBC. 

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra was "alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran." She urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, warning  "This risks further destabilizing a region that is already volatile," according to a CNN report. 

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any US assistance or involvement in the "unilateral" attack, adding that Israel had informed Washington that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Earlier on Thursday, US President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive conflict" in the Middle East, saying that "I don't want them going in" as direct talks between the United States and Iran continue, according to CNN. 

On its official WeChat account, the Chinese Embassy in Israel warned Chinese citizens there on Friday to strengthen their security precautions, avoid unnecessary outings, and stay away from areas near military units and sensitive institutions, warning that "security situation on the ground is complex and severe".

The Chinese Embassy in Iran also urged citizens in the country to closely monitor developments and strengthen their security awareness and precautions.



Global Times