Operation Epic Fury: Mixed Global Reactions
Operation Epic Fury, a military endeavor involving both the US and Israel against Iran, started on Saturday and has elicited a range of reactions worldwide.
Russian officials have been particularly vocal in their criticism, though several leaders from Europe have also expressed their condemnation of the actions taken by the US and Israel.
With reports of significant explosions across various Iranian cities, a spokesperson for the British government discussed US military bases in the region and emphasized that “we do not want further escalation into a broader regional conflict.”
The British Press Secretary said, “Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, which is why we continue to support efforts to reach a negotiated solution,” linking this to prior requests by President Trump for access to British airbases during similar military actions against Iran.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government appeared to be less enthusiastic about the attack. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch showed support for the US and Israel, stating that they face threats from Iran and its regime.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Iran’s government, labeling it a “murderous regime” and called for “all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law.”
The Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern over the US-Israeli actions, urging restraint and the protection of civilian infrastructure.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that a war involving the US, Israel, and Iran would have dire consequences for global peace. He also speculated that Iran might have to engage sincerely in negotiations regarding its nuclear and ballistic programs.
Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Wald Eide, criticized the legality of the attack, noting that a first strike must be justified by an imminent threat, which he argues was not the case here.
Spain’s left-leaning Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the unilateral military actions by the US and Israel, suggesting they would escalate tensions and undermine international order, while also condemning Iran’s actions.
Russia, which recently conducted joint military exercises with Iran, has further intensified its condemnation of the attack. Russian diplomatic official Mikhail Ulyanov warned that such aggression risks destabilizing the Middle East.
Dmitry Medvedev, a key ally of President Putin, remarked, “The talks with Iran were just a cover,” predicting that the consequences of this conflict could be significant and long-lasting.
Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Cuba’s Foreign Minister and a supporter of Iran, labeled the attack as a “treacherous invasion,” stating that it undermines international peace and security.
China, which has recently strengthened ties with Iran, has remained relatively quiet about the US-Israeli military initiatives, offering limited communication on the matter.
Meanwhile, US allies in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, have directed their anger towards Iran. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for global condemnation of these attacks, emphasizing the need to counter Iranian actions that threaten regional stability.
Qatar joined Saudi Arabia in decrying Iran’s actions, labeling them a blatant violation of national sovereignty and a dangerous escalation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney refrained from criticizing the strikes while expressing support for US initiatives aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.
