Department of Research, Studies and International News 13-06-2025

In a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, Israeli warplanes reportedly carried out large-scale airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, targeting what Tel Aviv described as nuclear and military infrastructure. The attack, which involved over 200 fighter jets according to Israeli military sources, resulted in significant casualties, including senior Iranian officials and scientists. Iranian media confirmed injuries to civilians, including at least 50 wounded in residential neighborhoods.

Iran’s leadership strongly denounced the assault. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled it a “grave crime” and warned of severe retaliation. “Israel must brace for the consequences of its reckless aggression,” he said. The Iranian response is expected to be calculated, but firm, amid growing regional instability provoked by Tel Aviv’s actions.

International outcry against Israeli aggression

The United Nations issued an urgent appeal for restraint. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned any further military escalation and voiced particular concern over attacks on nuclear sites while diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear program are ongoing. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, echoed those concerns, stressing that nuclear facilities should never be targets in armed conflicts due to the potential for catastrophic fallout.

Russia, through Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, condemned the “sharp escalation” and expressed deep alarm over actions that threaten to destabilize the broader region. China’s Foreign Ministry urged all sides to avoid further confrontation and reaffirmed Beijing’s readiness to mediate and play a constructive role in defusing tensions. Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing is “closely monitoring the developments” and warned of the serious consequences of such reckless military action.

Arab and Muslim world unites in condemnation

The Arab and Islamic worlds have responded with rare unanimity. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, called the strikes a “blatant violation of international law,” while Saudi Arabia described the attack as “heinous” and accused Israel of undermining regional peace. Qatar and the UAE called for urgent international intervention to de-escalate the situation, stressing the importance of diplomatic channels over military confrontation.

Turkiye condemned the attack in the “strongest terms,” asserting that Israel had no interest in peaceful resolution and instead aims to provoke wider regional conflict. Oman, a key mediator in previous U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, warned that the Israeli aggression risks unraveling all diplomatic progress. Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, voiced full solidarity with Tehran, labeling the assault “unjustified” and dangerous.

Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement defended Iran’s right to self-defense and reaffirmed its support for Tehran’s pursuit of peaceful nuclear development. Meanwhile, Hamas called the attack a “dangerous escalation,” holding Tel Aviv responsible for the growing instability.

Western allies react with caution, some with justification

While much of the world condemned Israel’s actions, Western responses were mixed. The United States, a staunch Israeli ally, denied direct involvement in the operation. Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both emphasized that the strikes were conducted solely by Israel. Rubio insisted Washington’s top priority was the safety of U.S. personnel in the region, while warning Iran against retaliatory actions that could involve American forces.

European powers expressed concern but were more reserved in their criticism. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed Israel’s “right to defend its security,” but called for restraint. France and the UK similarly urged all sides to step back from the brink. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of diplomacy, while France’s Foreign Minister reiterated concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Notably, the Czech Republic described the Israeli strikes as “reasonable,” claiming that Iran supports groups hostile to Tel Aviv and is allegedly pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim long denied by Tehran and unsupported by conclusive evidence.

Global South and non-aligned voices warn of broader conflict

Indonesia, Afghanistan under Taliban authority, and the African Union all strongly condemned Israel’s actions, warning that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict. The Taliban labeled the attacks a clear violation of international law and called for collective global efforts to prevent further regional destabilization. The African Union urged all parties to exercise restraint, highlighting the risk to global peace and security.

Conclusion

Israel’s aggressive assault on Iran marks a dangerous turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics. While Tel Aviv frames its actions as pre-emptive defense, much of the world views them as unlawful provocations likely to trigger further conflict. As Iran weighs its response, global actors, particularly China and Russia, have stressed the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, warning that continued military adventurism could have consequences far beyond the region.