India, Pakistan, UK, other countries react as US-Israel strikes on Iran, Tehran retaliation push Middle East to brink
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury, prompting Iranian retaliation on US bases. The UK held a Cobra meeting but did not join the strikes, urging restraint. Russia called for peaceful solutions
Israel-US attack on Iran: The United Kingdom (UK), Russia, Australia, and several other countries have now reacted to the renewed tensions in the Middle East region, hours after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes targeting Iran's military and naval forces. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a Cobra meeting, Russia's former President Dmitry Medvedev said that the "peacemaker" has once again shown his face.
His remarks came after Washington and Tel Aviv launched "Operation Epic Fury" on Saturday (local time) and plunged the Middle East region into a fresh military confrontation, days after US President Donald Trump warned to destroy Tehran's missile arsenal and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Following the strikes launched by the US and Israel, Iranian forces have retaliated with at least four US bases being targeted across the Middle East.
As the situation in the Middle East region escalates, here's how the world leaders have reacted:
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement, expressing concern over the situation in the Middle East, and urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. It added that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reacted to the tensions in the Middle East. In a statement on X, Sharif wrote that he spoke with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and condemned the dangerous regional escalation. He added, “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time. We remain ready to play a constructive role for peace and pray that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to our region.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a Cobra meeting hours after the US and Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran. A Cobra meeting is an emergency committee where ministers and officials meet to coordinate the government's response to an emerging situation, the BBC reported. The UK did not participate in the strikes. A government spokesperson said that they would protect British interests in the region and added, "We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict." The spokesperson further added that Iran should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the immediate priority of the UK government is to ensure that its people are safe in the region, who would be provided with consular assistance.
Responding to the escalating situation, Russia's foreign ministry said that Moscow is "ready to assist in search for peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect, and balance of interests."
Medvedev added that all negotiations with Iran were merely a cover and that there was never any genuine effort to negotiate.
The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, in a post on X, said that the country was subjected to an attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles and noted that the UAE's air defence systems responded effectively and intercepted several missiles. The authorities in the region also managed the impact of missile debris that fell in a residential area, which led to some property damage and the death of a civilian of Asian nationality. The officials added that the security situation remains stable in the region and that the relevant agencies are closely monitoring the developments around the clock.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted to the renewed military tension in the region and extended support to the US. Carney said that Ottawa supports Washington in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and preventing the regime from further threatening international peace and security.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said that the attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, and added that it is not in line with international law.
Reacting to the strikes, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the country will not accept anyone dragging its country into "adventures" that would threaten its security and unity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the country has declared its support for the US as it tries to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, The Guardian reported. In a statement, Albanese said, "Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression."
Reacting to the renewed military tension in the Middle East, the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, said that the attack on Iran marks an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the current escalations in the Middle East region are dangerous for everyone, and added that they must stop.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.