Israel-US strikes on Iran: How has the world reacted?

The US and Israel have finally launched an operation against Iran with the apparent aim of overthrowing the Islamic Republic.

While the attack had been anticipated for some time, the move has still shocked much of the world. Iran's retaliation has struck many US assets in several countries across the region.

With much of the world still waking up, here's the initial reaction to the new war.

Gulf states

Several countries in the Gulf were struck by Iranian missiles on Saturday, as the Islamic Republic targeted US military assets across the region.

Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all reported missile attacks while issuing warnings to their citizens to seek shelter across the country.

Reporters on Al Jazeera could be heard receiving alerts on their phones even as they were broadcasting live in the studio in Doha.

Qatar's defence ministry said it "repelled a number of attacks" targeting its territory.

The UAE said the attacks had violated its sovereignty and that it reserved the right to respond.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia condemned an attack that hit Riyadh, criticising “Iran’s blatant aggression and violations of the sovereignty” of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

Oman

Oman has so far been the only Gulf state avoid being hit by Iranian missiles.

The country, which had been hosting talks between the Iranians and US, expressed its disappointment at the military action.

"I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this," wrote Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi on X.

"And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war."

Iraq

There were reports on Saturday of strikes on Iran-linked armed groups in Iraq, a country which has long worried about being dragged into an Iran-US conflict.

In a statement, the country's foreign ministry said it was following developments with "great concern."

"[We call] on our citizens present in the areas of attacks to exercise the utmost caution and caution, adhere to the safety instructions issued by the competent authorities, and to stay in safe places and avoid danger sites," it read.

"The minister also directed all our diplomatic missions to communicate directly and responsibly with Iraqi citizens, provide them with the necessary support, and ensure continuous follow-up of their situation in order to ensure their safety and security. The safety of Iraqis abroad remains a top priority in the ministry's various movements and communications."

Spain

Spain criticised the attack on Iran, with the prime minister saying it rejected the "unilateral military action by the US and Israel."

"We reject the unilateral military action by the US and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order," Pedro Sanchez wrote on X.

"We also reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard. We cannot afford another prolonged and devastating war in the Middle East.

"We demand immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law. It is time to resume dialogue and reach a lasting political solution for the region."

UK

The UK government issued a statement on Saturday morning saying that it sought a "negotiated solution" and opposed a wider regional war.

“Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7," Downing Street said in a statement.
 
“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests," it added.
 
“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”

Other British politicians were more forthright, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praising the attacks.

Lebanon

Many in Lebanon have long feared that any Iran-US war would drag the country into the fray, particularly with Iran's close ally Hezbollah being based in the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Saturday that his country refused to be dragged into war.

"I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity," Salam said on X. 

"In light of the serious developments unfolding in the region, I once again call on all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing Lebanon and the Lebanese people's interests above any other consideration."

Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, was expected to deliver a speech on Saturday at 1pm.

France

In France, Air France said it had cancelled its Tel Aviv and Beirut flights on Saturday, saying it would provide schedule updates later.

"Due to the security situation at the destination, the airline has decided to cancel its flights scheduled for February 28 to/from Tel Aviv and to/from Beirut," Air France told AFP.

"Air France will communicate later on its flight schedule to these destinations for the coming days."

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was concerned by the escalation, which had "grave consequences for international peace and security" and called for the fighting to stop.
         
"In this decisive moment, all measures are being taken to ensure the security of the national territory and that of our compatriots, as well as our interests in the Middle East. France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request," he said in a statement.

"The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it no longer has any option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its actions of regional destabilization. This is absolutely essential to the security of all in the Middle East.

"The Iranian people must also be able to build their future freely. The massacres perpetrated by the Islamic regime disqualify it and require that the voice be given back to the people. The sooner, the better.

"True to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and our friends in the Middle East."

Turkey

Turkish Airlines on Saturday said it had suspended flights to 10 Middle East nations. 

"Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan have been cancelled until March 2," spokesman Yahya Ustun wrote on X, while flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Oman were only suspended for the day. 

Norway

Norway condemned the US-Israel strikes as a violation of international law.

The country's foreign minister called on Saturday for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. 

"The attack is described by Israel as a pre-emptive strike, but it is not in accordance with international law. A pre-emptive attack would require the existence of an imminent threat," Espen Barth Eide said in an email sent to AFP by his office. 

"We call on all parties to show restraint and not to give up on the possibilities of finding diplomatic solutions to the conflict."

Europe

The European Union appeared to offer muted support for the US strikes on Iran.

Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, described the situation as "perilous".

"Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security. The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue," she wrote on X.

"I have spoken to Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar and other ministers in the region. The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.

"Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority. Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region. 

"Our Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the maritime corridor open."

This is a developing story...