Tel Aviv has since announced a state of emergency on Friday in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Tehran.
Here are some reactions from top officials and governments from across the world.Mea spokesperson randhir jaiswal
Following the attack, India said it was “deeply concerned” at the escalating tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv and urged both sides to avoid any escalatory steps.
In a statement, Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites. India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support.”
Our statement on the situation between Iran and Israel:
???? pic.twitter.com/MP8KuGhFO5– Randhir Jaiswal (@MeAIndia) June 13, 2025
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Following the strikes, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Israel has “prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate”. On X, he wrote, “Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. It has revealed its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas.”
“That [Zionist] regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished,” he added.
With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see.
– khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Describing the attack as “unilateral” action, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Statement from 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. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its… pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025
A secretary-general Antonio Guterres
On Israel’s strikes against Iran, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned “any military escalation in the Middle East,” said Farhan Haq, his deputy spokesperson in a statement.
“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,” he said in the statement.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Foreign minister Penny Wong said Australia was “alarmed by the escalation in tensions between both the nations, Reuters reported. “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,” Wong said.
“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.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “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
On Friday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the government would “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.”
Oman
Oman, which is mediating nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, has blamed Israel for the escalation in the Middle East following its strikes.
“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 behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security,” its foreign ministry said in a statement.
“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.”
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia condemned the Israeli attacks, calling the strikes “blatant” and “a clear violation of international laws and norms”.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms,” read a statement.
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and… pic.twitter.com/OYuWXwiE5y
— Foreign Ministry ???????? (@KSAmofaEN) June 13, 2025
