World Leaders Urge Restraint, Diplomacy as Israel Bombards Iran/ Newslooks/ WSHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched a major overnight airstrike targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. World leaders across Europe and NATO characterize the assault as “deeply alarming” and demand restraint. Calls for diplomacy intensify to prevent the conflict from spinning into a full‑blown regional war.
Global Leaders Push De‑Escalation: Quick Looks
- ‘Deeply alarming’: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for calm and diplomacy.
- NATO urgency: Secretary General Mark Rutte urges allies to defuse tensions.
- Diplomacy emphasized: Italy’s foreign minister stresses there is “no other solution than a diplomatic one.”
- UK caution: Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirms no RAF involvement, urges urgent tension reduction.
- Trump advantage: U.S. President Trump got advance notice, backs negotiation with Iran.
World Leaders Urge Restraint, Diplomacy as Israel Bombards Iran
Deep Look
Israel’s Overnight Strike
Israel deployed over 200 fighter jets in a multi‑wave operation targeting Iranian nuclear sites, military leaders, and nuclear scientists. Prime Minister Netanyahu described it as a “multi-day offensive.” Iran responded by launching more than 100 drones toward Israeli airspace. The IDF reported many were intercepted, and residents were later told they no longer needed to shelter.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the strike, warning the “Zionist regime has prepared a bitter and painful fate for itself,” and reported that talks with the U.S. were suspended following the attack .
European and NATO Response
European leaders voiced alarm over the escalation:
- Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission): described the situation as “deeply alarming,” urging all sides to exercise restraint and emphasizing diplomacy as the only solution for regional and global security.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for allies to prioritize de‑escalation, calling it “the first order of the day”
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the strikes were “concerning,” clarified that the RAF was not assisting Israeli defenses, and urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently”
National Voices Call for Diplomacy
- Italy’s Foreign Minister stated the conflict is “very complicated” and insisted “there is no other solution than a diplomatic one,” warning against the dangers of military escalation .
- France’s Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but called for restraint and highlighted diplomacy to dial down tensions, while President Macron convened a special defense meeting to coordinate action .
- Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof described the conflict as “alarming” and urged calm, calling for immediate de-escalation for regional stability.
U.S. Position and Intervention
- President Trump said he was informed in advance and praised Israel’s actions. He stressed continued monitoring for Iranian retaliation and urged Iran to make a nuclear deal.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the U.S. was not involved in the operation and warned Iran against targeting American interests.
Broader Warnings and Consequences
- The UN Secretary-General has called for maximum restraint to avoid further conflict, particularly given the targeting of nuclear facilities during ongoing nuclear talks.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed concern about nuclear safety, offering to assess conditions in Iran and warning that targeting nuclear sites risks profound consequences
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