U.S. bombs Iran nuclear sites: Leaders urge restraint and diplomacy

Leaders around the world have called for de-escalation, restraint and a return to the negotation table after the U.S. joined Israel's war with Iran by striking the country's nuclear sites.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the strikes on three sites "totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities, and warned Tehran to "make peace" or face "far greater" attacks in future.

Trump's intervention - despite his past pledges to avoid another "forever war" threatens to dramatically widen the conflict, after Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Iran last week, with Tehran vowing to retaliate if Washington joined in.

'Everlasting consequences'

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the latest attacks and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty.

"The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he said on social media, adding that the attacks were "lawless and criminal" behavior. 

"In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people."

Iranian missile fire on Israel appeared heavier overnight, witnesses in the country said, with the health ministry reporting 86 people injured.

Araghchi added that Israel blew up negotiations between Tehran and Washington with its strikes on June 13, while the U.S. had now done the same to talks with European powers. Addressing European calls for Iran to return to negotiations, he asked "how can Iran return to something it never left?"

A spokesperson from China's foreign ministry condemned the attack. 

"China strongly condemns the U.S. attack on Iran and its strikes on nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," the spokesperson said. "This action by the U.S. seriously violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and further escalates tensions in the Middle East. 

"China calls on all parties to the conflict, particularly Israel, to cease hostilities immediately, ensure the safety of civilians, and initiate dialogue and negotiations. China stands ready to work with the international community to uphold justice and contribute to restoring peace and stability in the Middle East."

The EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas called for de-escalation and more diplomacy, adding that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, describing the possibility as "a threat to international security."

"I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," Kallas said, noting that EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation on Monday.

Top diplomats from the bloc's 27 nations were already due to gather in Brussels for talks on a range of issues, from the Ukraine conflict to Gaza, but Iran is now expected to dominate the agenda.

Kallas's appeal came after she joined top diplomats from France, Germany and Britain for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday. 

The European powers had urged Tehran to revive diplomatic efforts with the U.S. to find a solution in the standoff over its nuclear programme.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran must "immediately enter into negotiations with the U.S. and Israel and to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also called for negotiations, saying Iran should "never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat."

Moscow condemned the attacks. The Russian Foreign Ministry said: "The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb strikes, no matter what arguments are presented, grossly violates international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions, which previously unequivocally qualified such actions as unacceptable. 

"It is particularly alarming that the strikes were carried out by a country that is a permanent member of the UN Security Council."

'Region on the edge'

Qatar, host of the biggest U.S. military base in the Middle East, said it feared repercussions. The foreign ministry "warns the current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at regional and international levels," and called on "all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation."

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed there had been "no increase" in radiation levels after the U.S. strikes on the three nuclear sites in Iran. It is also holding an emergency meeting on Monday "in light of the urgent situation in Iran."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a "dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge."

He added: "At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."