Governments across the Middle East and beyond have voiced alarm over the risk of a wider regional war following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday.
The attacks, long feared by regional observers, have triggered urgent diplomatic reactions and security alerts as world leaders warn of a potential escalation.
Russia: Talks Were a “Cover”
Russia urged its citizens to leave Iran, while former president Dmitry Medvedev suggested that prior diplomatic engagements had been disingenuous.
“The peacekeeper is at it again,” Medvedev, who now serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, wrote on X.
“The talks with Iran were just a cover. Everyone knew that. So who has more patience to wait for the enemy’s sorry end now?” he added.
Qatar: Situation “Secure”
Qatar, which hosts a major US military base, initially said it remained secure following the attacks but was closely monitoring developments.
A Qatari official later told AFP that the country’s air defence systems had intercepted an Iranian missile, while the defence ministry confirmed it had repelled “a number of attacks.”
European Union: Situation “Perilous”
The European Union described the regional situation as “perilous” and called for the protection of civilians in any further hostilities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged “all parties to exercise restraint” in a message on X, stressing that it was “critical” to “ensure nuclear safety” amid indications that Iranian nuclear facilities could be targeted.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, described the situation as dangerous and announced the withdrawal of the bloc’s non-essential personnel from the region.
UK: Avoid “Wider Conflict”
The United Kingdom warned that the strikes could spiral into a broader Middle East conflict and advised its citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to seek shelter.
“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict,” a government spokesperson said, adding that the UK’s “immediate priority” was the safety of its citizens in the region.
Shah’s Son: “Final Victory”
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah and a prominent critic of Tehran’s leadership, said the developments signalled a turning point.
“We are very close to final victory,” Pahlavi said in a message addressed to Iranians.
“I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran,” added Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the Washington area.
As diplomatic tensions rise and military movements continue, fears persist that the conflict could expand beyond Iran’s borders, drawing in additional regional and global powers.
AFP
