The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel reached a tipping point on Sunday, June 22, after the United States launched direct strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. In a series of bombardments, the U.S. struck Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. In retaliation, on Monday, June 23, Iran launched an attack on US forces at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US base in the Middle East. While the attack was successfully intercepted, resulting in no casualties or injuries, these developments stoked fears of escalating the conflict into a broader regional war.
Why did the U.S. attack Iran?
Strategic Rationale Behind the Attack
The United States launched “Operation Midnight Hammer” against three Iranian nuclear facilities on 22 June 2025. This was the first direct military action against Iran’s nuclear program. The main goal was to ‘stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that” the president authorised a precise operation to eliminate the threats to our national interests posed by the Iranian nuclear program and to defend our troops and our ally Israel.” According to U.S., intelligence estimates indicated that Iran’s breakout time to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for one nuclear bomb had dropped to between two and five days, creating an urgent need for action. This view was also backed by DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who changed her earlier stance as she had testified in March that Iran had a stock of materials but was not making these weapons. The strikes targeted the heavily fortified Fordow uranium enrichment facility, along with the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. The operation involved 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles, and over 125 military aircraft in a coordinated effort.
Assessment of Strategic Success
The effectiveness of the strikes is still debated. US officials offer cautiously optimistic views but admit there are uncertainties about the complete damage. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine noted that early battle damage assessments showed that all three sites experienced severe damage and destruction. He pointed out that final assessments will take time. However, Iranian media (Amwaj) stated quoting a high-ranking Iranian political source that “the Trump administration on June 21 conveyed that it did not seek an all-out confrontation, and only intended to strike the Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites”. The message is said to have been delivered by a third party. Importantly, the senior source also confirmed that the targeted sites were evacuated, with “most” of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium kept in secure locations. Additionally, the American Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News on Saturday where he stated that “Well, I think that’s actually not the question before us … Uranium is something that exists in a very large supply. I think our main goal was to bury the uranium and I do think the uranium was buried.” International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi called the damage “very significant,” mentioning visible craters at Fordow from ground-penetrating bombs. However, he also stated that no one, including the IAEA, can fully evaluate the underground damage. Experts remain skeptical about claims of complete destruction, especially since Fordow was built deeper than the 200-foot limit for bunker-buster bombs and the fact that Israel attacked Fordow again points that the full objective of the strikes was not achieved. They also noted that Iran appears to have moved enriched uranium materials before the strikes.
| Target Facility | Location | Weapons Used | Delivery Platform | Claimed Outcome | Additional Notes |
| Fordow Uranium Enrichment Plant | Near Qom | GBU-57A/B “bunker buster” bombs (14 total) | B-2 Spirit stealth bombers | Severely damaged; claimed “obliterated” | Deep underground, first use of GBU-57 in combat |
| Natanz Nuclear Facility | Natanz | GBU-57A/B, | B-2 Spirit stealth bombers , U.S. Navy submarines | Severely damaged | Deep underground, first use of GBU-57 in combat |
| Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center | Isfahan | Tomahawk cruise missiles, bombs | Submarines, bombers | Severely damaged |
Table 1: Platforms used in Bombings by U.S.
Here is how countries across the world have reacted to these developments, with words of support, condemnation and calls for de-escalation.
China
For China, the event impacts core interests—economic and social development—especially energy access and regional stability across the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)’s West Asia leg. There is scope for China’s business as usual through alternative energy routes. China gave diplomatic support and limited and discreet military assistance to Iran. The issues Beijing care more about at this stage are balancing its acts: protecting energy security, avoiding entanglement, and countering or avoiding China’s perceived threat of the US pulling China into regional unrest—all while maintaining plausible neutrality.
The US “Operation Midnight Hammer” on Iranian nuclear targets on June 22 triggered diplomatic reactions at various levels. Such remarks explain how China is positioning itself amid rising West Asian tensions. In the official remarks, the mainland Chinese media adopt a neutral tone and blame the US at the same time. The early comment comes from China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s remarks and focused on the diplomatic and more importantly evoking norms: it ‘strongly condemns’ the ‘attacks facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA’; further it calls the action as ‘seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law’. Interestingly, China openly naming ‘calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible’ is noteworthy. China offered its readiness to ‘pool efforts together’ with the international community, not a mediation—implying that it has neither interest in Israel and the Israel-US-led conflict, nor has the capabilities to intervene and the wherewithal that will affect the outcome substantially.
Second, the remarks of Ambassador Fu Cong, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN remarks on Iran at the United Nations Security Council Emergency Meeting require more attention to understand where China stands. In comparison with the spokesperson’s comments, the addition is that the US actions ‘seriously violate’ ….. ‘Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity’. China made four apples: One, it ‘deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control’ and suggested ‘parties to the conflict, Israel in particular’, should reach ‘immediate ceasefire and an end to the hostilities’; Two, ‘Civilians and the civilian facilities must not become targets of military operations’; Three, floating the ‘political settlement’ for the Iranian nuclear issue and work towards ‘a political solution through dialogue and negotiation’ and Four, ‘The Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It cannot stand idly by in the face of a major crisis’.
Interestingly, the country regularly reaffirms that it will consider ‘use of force’ on Taiwan; lectures twice in the current statement on Iran to avoid the ‘impulse of use of force’ and that peace ‘cannot be achieved by the use of force’. Moreover, in similar lines, Russia, China, and Pakistan have proposed a draft resolution to the Security Council, ‘calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation’.
Limits of China’s Assistance to Iran: Reports are circulating about China’s support. The long-range military cargo planes bound for Luxembourg disappeared after entering Iran’s airspace. These plans can carry little compared with what Iran needs from its defence partners. The speculations suggest, the Boeing 747s can potentially carry 72 air-launched cruise missiles according to the US plans during the Cold War. The only viable option available with China is using the recently launched freight train route from Xi’an, China, to Aprin Dry Port, Iran. Even if China wants to send off-the-shelf missiles and drones, which Tehran is in desperate need of, it would take 15 days through the route. The sea freight transit time from 30-40 days between China and Iran. At this stage, both air and train options also serve symbolic wartime assistance, and only serve immediate needs. China’s wartime defence production capacity is considerably significant. The state-owned CCTV claimed that the automated factories are capable of producing large quantities of missile components, a projected capacity of mass production of low-cost, low-reliability missiles up to 1000 per day.
Iran’s parliament passed a resolution on closing or blocking the Strait of Hormuz for leverage. Earlier, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil”. In response to both developments, spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that ‘two sides (China and Iran) are in communication on the ongoing situation’ … ‘The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are important route for international trade in goods and energy. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community’. Just like how the US is passing the buck to China, Beijing also commented that the US should take responsibility to de-escalate the conflict and prevent it from becoming regional turmoil.
WEST ASIA
Qatar
- Iranian Strike on U.S. air base in Qatar, June 23: In a statement, Qatar confirmed that their air defences successfully intercepted Iranian missiles targeting Al-Udeid Air Base and that no deaths or injuries were reported.
Strongly condemning the attacks and calling it a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar,” Dr Majed Ansari, Advisor to the Qatari PM and the official spokesperson of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign affairs, said that, “Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law.”
He added that the continuation of “such escalatory military actions will undermine security and stability in the region, dragging it into situations that could have catastrophic consequences for international peace and security. “
He called for immediate cessation of all military actions and “for a serious return to the negotiating table” and stressed that Qatar was among the first countries “to warn against the dangers of Israeli escalation in the region.”
The state of Qatar has also written a letter to the UN Secretary General, and the President of the UNSC in this regard.
Complete statement: https://x.com/majedalansari/status/1937196615128764606
US Strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: In a statement by the foreign ministry, Qatar said it “regrets the deterioration of the situation” and feared serious repercussions to the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Without explicitly mentioning the US, Qatar said it is following the developments with “grave concern” and emphasized the “urgent need to halt all military operations and to immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels.” Finally, Qatar warned that the “dangerous tensions” in the region lead to “catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels.”
Complete statement: https://mofa.gov.qa/en/latest-articles/statements/qatar-regrets-the-deterioration-of-the-situation-with-the-strikes-on-iranian-nuclear-facilities
Saudi Arabia:
- Iranian Strike on U.S. air base in Qatar, June 23: Saudi Arabia issued a strong condemnation of the Iranian strikes on Qatar, calling it “an entirely unacceptable act” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” They expressed their “full solidarity and complete support” for Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also called Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and said that Saudi Arabia has deployed all its capabilities to support Qatar in any action it takes.
Complete statement: https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1936879579123134575
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: Saudi Arabia said they are following the developments in Iran with “deep concern” particularly referring to the American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. While not directly referencing the U.S., the statement reaffirmed the content of its statement issued on June 13, condemning and denouncing the “violation of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The statement further underscored the need to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions and called on the international community to intensify efforts to “reach a political solution.”
Complete statement: https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1936683108843073642
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince also held separate phone calls with the leaders of the GCC member states, and received a call from the President of UAE, where the leaders discussed the repercussions of Israeli and American strikes on Iran and emphasized the unity of GCC states in light of the “current critical circumstances.” The leaders all called for restraint and “resolution of all differences through diplomatic means.”
Complete statement: https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1936849876404301938
The crown prince also held a call with the French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron post American strikes on Iran and the two discussed the implications of latest regional developments.
Complete statement: https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1936849876404301938
UAE
- Iranian Strike on U.S. air base in Qatar, June 23: The UAE condemned IRGC’s strikes on Al Udeid Air Base in the “strongest terms” calling it a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and its airspace.” In the statement UAE underscored its “categorical rejection of any attack that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar,” and in turn the security and stability of the region. UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their “full solidarity” with Qatar and “for all measures aimed at safeguarding the security and safety of its citizens and residents.”
In the statement, UAE also emphasized the urgent need to “halt military escalation” and called for “implementing diplomatic solutions.”
Complete statement: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/MediaHub/News/2025/6/23/23-6-2025-UAE-qatar
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: In a statement, the UAE expressed “profound concern” over the growing tensions in the region and the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. While not mentioning the US directly, the UAE “stressed the need for immediate de-escalation to avoid serious repercussions and spare the region from being pulled into deeper levels of instability.”
The statement also urged the UN and the UNSC to “uphold their responsibilities through serious efforts to address the region’s long-standing issue.
Complete statement: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/MediaHub/News/2025/6/22/22-6-2025-UAE-UAE
Bahrain:
- Iranian Strike on Qatar, June 23: Referring to the deep-rooted bonds among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Bahrain affirmed its support and solidarity with Qatar following Iran’s strikes. The statement “strongly condemned the attack” by Iran, and “considered it a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace”
Complete statement: https://www.bna.bh/en/BahrainaffirmsfullsupportandsolidaritywithQatarfollowingtheIranianattackonQatariterritory.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDiV856X33dgA7PWeReyDEto%3D
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: While not directly referencing the strikes, Bahrain issued a statement saying they are “closely following recent developments in the region,” and emphasising the need to halt “escalation and military operations.” They also called for “the swift resumption of negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to resolve the current crisis through diplomatic and peaceful means.”
Bahrain hosts the US Central Command’s regional base and has nearly 9,000 defence personnel, both military and civilian, stationed there.
Complete statement: https://www.mofa.gov.bh/en/kingdom-of-bahrain-calls-for-de-escalation-and-urges-swift-resumption-of-negotiations-to-restore-peace
Kuwait
- Iranian Strike on Qatar, June 23: Kuwait issued a “strong condemnation” of IRGC’s attack on Al Udeid Air Base calling it a “dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.” The statement affirmed Kuwait’s full support for Qatar and for “for all measures taken to preserve its sovereignty, security and stability, including its right to respond directly in a manner commensurate with the magnitude of this blatant aggression.” Kuwait also expressed its “readiness to harness all its capabilities and energies” to support Qatar.
Complete statement: https://x.com/MOFAKuwait/status/1937218816167006266
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: While not directly naming the US, Kuwait called the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities a “dangerous development that threatens the security and stability of the region” and said they are “following with great concern” the successive developments in the “friendly Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Referencing their initial statement from June 13, Kuwait reiterated its condemnation of the attack on Iran’s sovereignty and called for an immediate and complete cessation of escalation and military actions.
Complete statement: https://x.com/MOFAKuwait/status/1936710048954077274
Oman
- Iranian Strike on Qatar, June 23: In a statement titled, “Oman condemns ongoing regional escalation caused by Israel,” Oman issued a condemnation of the “regional escalations triggered by Israel’s unlawful missile attack” on Iran on June 13. Expanding on the escalations, Oman said this includes Iran’s “bombardment of sovereign sites in the sisterly State of Qatar,” calling the bombardment unacceptable. They affirmed their full solidarity with Qatar and expressed support for “any measures it takes to safeguard its security and stability.” Oman also called for a halt to all “military and missile actions” and stressed on negotiations.
Complete statement: https://www.fm.gov.om/oman-condemns-the-ongoing-regional-escalation-caused-by-israel/
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: Oman expressed “profound concern and condemnation” of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and said it “deplores this illegal aggression.” Citing international law and the UN Charter, Oman said the law guarantees “nations the legitimate right to pursue nuclear programmes for peaceful purposes under the supervision and oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency.” It added that such international protocol also prohibits the targeting of nuclear facilities “due to the risks of contamination and radiation.” The statement warned that US actions threaten “to expand the scope of the conflict” and called for “immediate and comprehensive de-escalation.”
Oman was also the country set to host the now derailed indirect nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran.
Complete statement: https://www.fm.gov.om/oman-voices-profound-concern-and-condemns-escalation-following-us-airstrikes-on-iran/
Turkey
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: In a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs, Turkey said that the US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has “elevated that risk to its highest level” and expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of the US attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “The current developments could escalate the regional conflict into a global one. We do not want to see this catastrophic scenario materialize,” Turkey said in its statement.
They also called on all parties to “cease the attacks immediately” and urged negotiations.
Complete statement: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-125_-abd-nin-iran-in-nukleer-tesislerine-gerceklestirdigi-saldiri-hk.en.mfa
Lebanon
- Iranian Strike on Qatar, June 23: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned Iran’s attack on Qatar, calling it a violation of the sovereignty of a sisterly state. Further, he said this increases tensions in the region and expands the scope of military confrontation. Aoun also expressed full solidarity and support for Qatar. (translated)
Statement: https://x.com/LBpresidency/status/1937218006536622115
- US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, June 22: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun voiced concerns over US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and said the strike “raises fears of an escalation of tensions that could threaten security and stability in more than one region and country.” He further called for restraint and constructive dialogue.
Statement: https://x.com/LBpresidency/status/1936684095024636320
- Hezbollah reacts to US strike on Iran, June 23: According to Al Jazeera, the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah, issued a statement in Arabic saying it condemns “the barbaric [and] treacherous” strike in “strongest terms.”
“It constitutes a reckless, dangerous, and uncalculated escalation that threatens to expand the circle of war and push the region and the world toward the unknown if it is not stopped and deterrent measures are not taken,” the statement said.
“This aggression confirms the full and direct partnership between America and Israel in planning and execution, not only in the war against the Islamic Republic, but also in all the wars and crimes the region is facing, in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. We believe that these attacks will not deter Iran from continuing its progress and development,” it added.
SOUTHEAST ASIA TO ISRAEL’S ATTACKS ON IRAN
Malaysia: The Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has urged the international community to act decisively to end the violence in the Middle East, calling for pressure to be placed on Israel to halt its provocations and aggression. “For genuine peace to be realised, Israel must be pressured to stop its provocative and violent behaviour towards other nations”.
Commenting on Iran’s military response, Mr Anwar said it was expected given the earlier attacks and reiterated that Malaysia maintains a fair and balanced stance. “When you launch attacks and kill people, of course there will be retaliation from Iran. Our position is a fair one,” he added. Mr Anwar also expressed concern over the deepening crisis in Gaza and the broader region, citing the continued killing of civilians, including women and children, as well as escalating tensions due to strikes on Iran and foreign interference from the United States.
Indonesia: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono condemned Israel’s expansion of its aggression against Iran amid its attacks on the Gaza Strip, calling it a major violation of international law.
“The recent attacks on Iran demonstrate Israel’s increasing disregard for peace and stability,” Sugiono stated at the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul on June 21, 2025. In his statement, Sugiono emphasised that Israel’s aggression against Iran further threatens the dignity of international law and undermines all efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
Thailand: Thailand expresses its grave concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly in light of the recently intensified attacks and expansion of conflict by other parties. Thailand calls upon all parties to immediately cease all acts of violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law, to prevent further loss and suffering. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively cooperating with all relevant agencies operating under the Rapid Response Centre (RRC) to provide assistance and ensure rapid and safe evacuation of Thai nationals from affected areas.
Brunei Darussalam: Brunei Darussalam has strongly condemned the military strikes carried out by the Occupying Power against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 13 June 2025, which resulted in a tragic loss of lives and severe injuries. Brunei Darussalam emphasised that these developments must not distract from the Palestinian cause, which remains at the heart of the regional crisis.
The strikes were denounced as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the Occupying Power’s persistent impunity and disregard for international law, humanitarian principles, and the UN Charter. Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed Iran’s inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and called on the UN Security Council to uphold its legal and moral obligation to maintain international peace and security, including ensuring accountability for the actions of the Occupying Power.
Philippines: The Philippines is greatly concerned about the developments in the Middle East in the last few hours. The welfare and safety of Filipinos in the region are of primary concern, and the Philippine Government will continue to advance and prioritise their protection relentlessly. “We strongly urge concerned parties to take the path of diplomacy and avoid further escalation of this conflict that could threaten regional and international peace and security.”
Singapore: Since the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has actively provided consular assistance to Singaporeans in Iran, despite lacking a diplomatic mission there. The Singapore Embassy in Muscat and the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur collaborated with host governments to ensure safe departures. No statement on the military strikes was issued, reflecting Singapore’s focus on citizen safety over geopolitical commentary. Singapore expresses its profound gratitude to Oman and Malaysia for their support in securing the safe return of its citizens.
Cambodia: The Cambodian Embassy’s response to the intensifying Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025 has been notably restrained, limited to a brief advisory urging Cambodian citizens in both nations to exercise heightened caution and adhere to local authorities’ guidance to ensure their safety. The statement urged Cambodian nationals to strengthen personal safety measures and strictly comply with the instructions of the relevant Iranian authorities to avoid any potential incidents.
Vietnam: Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Phạm Thu Hằng has urged all parties in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict to immediately halt military actions, specifically condemning the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025. Hằng emphasised the need to avoid targeting nuclear sites and called for renewed negotiations to resolve disputes peacefully, in line with international law, the United Nations Charter, and IAEA regulations, while respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international humanitarian law.
Timor Leste: No Statement Issued.
Laos: No Statement Issued.
Myanmar: No Statement Issued.
BANGLADESH’S REACTION TO ISRAEL’S ATTACKS ON IRAN
Bangladesh responded decisively to Israel’s military attacks on Iran, particularly those targeting nuclear facilities, through strong official condemnations, diplomatic advocacy, and urgent measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in Iran. The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) condemned the attacks on June 13, 2025, as a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and Iran’s sovereignty, a stance reiterated on June 22 when MoFA expressed alarm over strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, warning of regional destabilization. At the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain denounced Israel’s “unlawful and aggressive” actions, urging an immediate halt to provocations. Bangladesh consistently called for de-escalation, including after U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the path to stability. This reflects Bangladesh’s broader commitment to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
The escalation posed significant risks to approximately 2,000 Bangladeshi nationals in Iran, including 400 in Tehran, such as embassy officials and their families. An Israeli airstrike destroyed a Bangladeshi official’s residence, prompting the relocation of embassy staff from high-risk areas. MoFA announced on June 22 that the first batch of Bangladeshis would return to Dhaka the following week, with repatriation plans complicated by sanctions blocking banking channels, potentially requiring land routes via Pakistan or Turkey. MoFA activated hotlines in neighbouring countries and urged global action to end the crisis.
Notably, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has not directly addressed the Iran-Israel conflict, a silence noted by TV9 Hindi , possibly reflecting caution to avoid entanglement in sensitive geopolitics.
Bangladesh’s response balances moral objections with pragmatic efforts to protect its citizens and advocate for peace, leveraging platforms like the OIC and UN to call for restraint. Logistical challenges, such as sanctions, highlight the complexity of repatriation, while public support reinforces the government’s position. Overall, Bangladesh’s principled yet practical approach underscores its commitment to diplomacy and stability in a volatile regional crisis
RUSSIA REACTS TO US STRIKES ON IRAN
While Russia has not formally said anything on Iran’s strikes on US bases in Qatar, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov has said that it is “very difficult to draw any final conclusions” on the announcements of ceasefire agreements.
On 23 June 2025, amidst growing tensions between Iran and Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the Kremlin. Calling the attacks on Iran “completely unprovoked acts of aggression,” Putin reiterated Russia’s support and commitment to Iran.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had earlier in its statement has condemned the United States’ strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a “reckless decision” that violates the international law, the UN charter, and other relevant resolutions by the UNSC. The press release has also indicated on the potential radioactive effects of attack on such sites, raising concerns about the global non-proliferation treaty. The Ministry has also urged the IAEA to respond promptly, producing an “unbiased and objective” report.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after his call with Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto, noted that the US’ strikes are a “dangerous escalation” which will have unpredictable consequences, and has damaged the nuclear non-proliferation regime. During an emergency session of the UNSC, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, highlighted the IAEA’s biasedness towards Iran, where they have conducted regular inspection, as compared to Israel, that refuses to sign the NPT has had no full-fledged IAEA inspections. He further called situation “outrageous and cynical.”
On 22 June 2025, Russia together with China and Pakistan have also introduced a joint draft resolution during the emergency session of the UNSC, calling for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law and engagement in dialogue and negotiation.”
Earlier as the escalations began to gain momentum in West Asia, on 19 June 2025, Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran. They univocally stated that the concerns related to Iran’s nuclear programme cannot solved by force and advocated for diplomatic resolution.
Previously, on 14 June 2025, in an hour-long call, Putin had also discussed about the escalations in Iran with his American counterpart Donald Trump. The former was reported to have briefed the latter, on his talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and reiterated on Russia’s proposal to mediate on the Iranian nuclear issue. On 13 June 2025, Putin expressed his condolences to Pezeshkian, condemning Israel’s actions and proposed to mediate so as to “prevent further escalation.” In his conversation with Netanyahu, Putin stressed on the importance on resuming negotiations and solving the issues regarding Iran’s nuclear programme through diplomatic channels.
EUROPEAN REACTIONS TO US AIRSTRIKES IN IRAN
FRANCE :France expressed “concern” over the United States’ air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and called on all parties to “exercise restraint” to avoid greater conflict on 22nd June. President Emmanuel Macron has called the Israel and US airstrikes against Iran as illegal. “It may be considered legitimate… to neutralise nuclear facilities in Iran, given our objectives. However, there is no legal framework, no. And so we must say it as it is: there is no legality to these strikes.” Mr. Macron said during the NATO summit in the Netherlands.
France distanced itself from the US strikes and urged “all parties to exercise restraint,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot writes in a post on X. Barrot further added “France is convinced that a lasting settlement of this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
France Reacts to strikes in Qatar: French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned recent Iranian strikes in Qatar, showcasing France’s solidarity and strategic interests with gulf nations.
UNITED KINGDOM: Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted “risk of escalation” in the West Asia as a reaction of US airstrikes in Iran, backing the strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities and urged Tehran for negotiations.
Statement by UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard reflects Britain’s cautious and diplomatic stance on US’s airstrikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities. Pollard highlighted that military actions alone cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and that diplomatic solutions is the only viable long-term way to solve the issue. Pollard refused UK’s involvement in US airstrikes or Trump’s call for regime change in Iran.
United Kingdom Reacts to strikes in Qatar: UK initially advised its citizens in Qatar to take shelter after Iran’s attack. However, later the warning was lifted as the ceasefire was announced. Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Iran for negotiations, condemning any further escalation of the conflict. Luke Pollard mentioned UK is observing the “fast-changing situation” closely and that “the UK Government utterly condemns any escalation”.
GERMANY: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz showed strong support for US and Israel and urged Iran to “immediately enter into negotiations with the US and Israel and to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict”. Chancellor Merz further warned about the unpredictable economic consequences of blocking Strait of Hormuz. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius mentioned backing US’s actions, “a major threat has been eliminated, and I can only repeat that this is good news for the Middle East, but also for Europe.”Germany Reacts to strikes in Qatar: German Foreign Minister Johann Wandephul called the Iranian strikes on US base in Qatar as “calibrated answer” to American strike on Iranian nuclear sites. Mr. Wandephul later post on X that the strikes were “unacceptable” and Germany “stands in solidarity with our partners in the Gulf states”. Mr. Wandephul while talking to media emphasized on the role of diplomacy saying, “At this stage we can only repeat our demand to Iran to be ready for talks”.
