US president Donald Trump has urged Iran to make a deal over its nuclear programme, saying that there was still time for the country to prevent further conflict with Israel:
“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to “just do it,” but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done.
I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – And they know how to use it.
Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!
There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end.
Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!
Russian president Vladimir Putin spoke to both Iran’s president and Israel’s prime minister on Friday in separate telephone conversations.
In a statement to Reuters, the Kremlin said that Putin told Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia “condemns the actions of Israel taken in violation of the UN Charter” and expressed condolences for those killed.
Meanwhile, speaking to Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Putin said that he “stressed the importance of a return to the process of talks and resolution of all issues concerning Iran’s nuclear programme strictly through political and diplomatic means.”
The Kremlin statement said Russia would remain in close contact with both Iran and Israel.
Israel said early on Friday it had struck Iranian nuclear targets to block Tehran from developing atomic weapons, and Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility.
Calling it a “decisive moment in Israel’s history”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was also targeting Iranian scientists working on a nuclear bomb and missile factories in an operation that would continue for days.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear-related activity is for peaceful purposes.
Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Tehran.
Here are some reactions from top officials and governments around the world:
RUSSIA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY
The Russian foreign ministry has said that Israeli strikes on Iran and its nuclear facilities were unprovoked and in breach of the United Nations charter.
“Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure are categorically unacceptable,” the ministry said in a statement, without referencing its own ongoing invasion of its neighbour, Ukraine.
U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER PENNY WONG
“Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran. This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions.
“We all understand the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.”
EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF, KAJA KALLAS
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has labeled the situation in the Middle East as “dangerous.”
“I urge all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation,” Kallas posted on her account on X, adding she “stands ready” to support diplomatic efforts to work towards de-escalation.
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER CHRISTOPHER LUXON
“It’s a really unwelcome development in the Middle East. The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need any more military action, and risk associated with that.”
JAPAN’S CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY YOSHIMASA HAYASHI
“Japan continues to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, while implementing every possible measure to ensure the protection of Japanese citizens.”
SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.
“The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford.”
OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-U.S. NUCLEAR TALKS
“Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behavior is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security.”
“The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action.”
