World leaders responded quickly on Saturday following the United States and Israel , revealing a sharp split between governments supporting the strike on Iran and those cautioning that the attacks could spark a broader regional conflict.

In a joint statement, Canada’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed strong backing, stating, “Canada supports the United States taking action to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further endangering international peace and security.” The statement labeled Iran “the main source of instability and terror across the Middle East” and emphasized that it “must never be permitted to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.”

also supported the action, posting on X, “Australia stands with Iran’s brave people in their fight against oppression.” He confirmed Australia backs “the United States acting to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” while activating emergency consular steps and advising Australians to leave Iran if it’s safe to do so.

The United Kingdom stated that Iran “must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.” A spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was in talks with the leaders of France and Germany “as part of a series of calls with allies.”

French President warned, “A war breaking out between the United States, Israel, and Iran would have severe consequences for international peace and security.” He added, “The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must halt,” and called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting.

In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom also noted they had “repeatedly called on the Iranian regime to end its nuclear program, rein in its ballistic missile program, desist from its destabilizing actions in the region and our countries, and stop the horrific violence and repression against its own citizens.” 

The three governments stated they “did not take part in these strikes” but are “in close communication with our international partners, including the United States, Israel, and regional partners.” 

They reaffirmed their “commitment to regional stability and the protection of civilian lives,” strongly condemned “Iranian attacks on regional countries,” and called for “negotiations to resume,” encouraging Iran’s leadership to pursue a diplomatic resolution. “Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to decide their own future,” the statement added.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as “dangerous,” noting that Iran’s “ballistic missile and nuclear programs… present a serious threat to global security,” while stressing that “Protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law is a top priority.”

. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated, “We oppose the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which amounts to an escalation and makes the international order more uncertain and hostile.”

Meanwhile, Gulf nations reacted to reported Iranian missile operations.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry stated, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns and denounces Iran’s blatant aggression and flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.” It declared “full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly nations” and warned of “severe consequences from the ongoing violation of state sovereignty and international law principles.”

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense announced the country “came under a blatant attack using Iranian ballistic missiles,” noting that air defense systems “successfully intercepted several missiles.” Officials said falling debris in a residential area led to “the death of one civilian of Asian nationality” and property damage.

The ministry described the attack as “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that endangers civilian safety and undermines stability,” and said the UAE “reserves its full right to respond.”

said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar “strongly condemned the unprovoked attacks on Iran” and called for “diplomacy to resume urgently.”

China also commented. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington posted on X that Beijing is “deeply concerned about the military strikes on Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel.” He added that “Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected” and called for “an immediate halt to military actions” and “no further escalation.”

held talks with regional counterparts, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source told Reuters. The discussions centered on “potential steps to take to help end the attacks.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly connected the events to Russia’s war on his country.

“Even though Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s partner and supplied him with ‘shahed’ drones,” Zelenskyy wrote, noting that Russia has used “over 57,000 shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people.”

“It’s crucial that the United States is acting firmly,” he stated. “Whenever America shows resolve, global criminals are weakened.”

the operation. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated, “All negotiations with Iran are a cover for other actions.”

warned, “We will not tolerate anyone pulling the country into risky ventures that threaten its security and unity.”

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the strike “is .”

Reuters contributed to this report.