As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, the United States on Sunday (June 21) directly entered the regional crisis by attacking three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the start of military operations against Iran and announced that the nuclear centers in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted in the airstrikes. After the operation, Trump wrote on X: “Now is the time for peace!”
Following the attack, Reuters quoted a US official, who wished to remain anonymous, saying that advanced B-2 bombers were used in the operation.
However, Iran’s deputy political spokesperson stated that prior to the US attacks, all nuclear facilities in Iran had been evacuated and suffered no damage.
The direct involvement of the US in this crisis, which has added new dimensions to the Iran-Israel conflict and further complicated regional security, has triggered widespread reactions.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded on X, stating, “The war has now begun for us.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also reacted, saying the United States has violated international laws, the UN Charter, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by attacking Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear facilities.
This attack has not only sparked global reactions but has also prompted Israel to take precautionary measures, including closing its airspace.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the US strike as “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.” He stressed the need for de-escalation and warned that the ongoing war could spiral out of control and harm civilians.
US Democratic Congressman Don Beyer stated that Trump has no legal authority to go to war with Iran without Congressional approval.
Another US Representative, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, raised the possibility of impeaching President Trump over the Iran attack, citing the lack of explicit Congressional authorization.
The Iran-Israel conflict, which began on the eve of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, has now entered its tenth day. While tensions were met with international responses from the start, the direct US strike on Iran has triggered a new wave of global reactions.
The UNHCR urged Iran and Israel to avoid escalating tensions, expressing concern that the conflict has already forced civilians in both countries to flee their homes.
Abdullah Abdullah, former head of Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, condemned the US attack on Iran, calling it “inhumane.” He added that Israel, by involving the US in this war, attacked Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear facilities — an act that violates all international laws.
The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry again condemned the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and expressed deep concern over the US strike. It called for restraint, de-escalation, and urged the international community to find a political solution to preserve regional stability.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, labeling them as contrary to all norms of international law.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, urged all parties to step back and return to the negotiation table to prevent further escalation.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the deteriorating situation following the bombings and said it is closely monitoring the developments with deep concern.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that it is vital to reduce the intensity of the conflict as soon as possible.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that this attack would lead to de-escalation and that Iran would return to the negotiating table.
Similar reactions have come from New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Iran has launched its 20th wave of missile attacks on Israel under the operation titled “Operation True Promise 3,” involving various types of long-range missiles.
The US President has also warned that Iran must seek peace or ““future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”