International Responses to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion & Iranian Retaliation
With Israel launching Operation Rising Lion against Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership targets and Iran launching a retaliatory attack, JINSA has compiled a list of global leaders’ statements on the ongoing conflict.
Trump Administration
06-12-25 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 self-defense. 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.”
06-12-25 U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social: We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
06-13-25 Trump to ABC News: “I think it’s been excellent … We gave them a chance and they didn’t take it. They got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more.”
06-13-25 Trump on Truth Social: I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to “just do it,” but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done. I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – And they know how to use it. Certain Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse! There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks against being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!
06-13-25 Trump to Fox News: “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership in Iran that will not be coming back.”
06-13-2025 Trump on Truth Social: “Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to ‘make a deal.’ They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!”
U.S. Senate
6-13-25 Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV): “Iran must never be able to have a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is a threat to Israel, the United States, and the entire world…Israel acted in self-defense against an attack from Iran, and the U.S. must continue to stand with Israel, as it has for decades, at this dangerous moment.”
6-13-25 Sen. Jeane Shaheen (D-NH): “Israel’s strikes against Iran represent an escalation that is deeply concerning and will inevitably invite counterattacks. This risks not only U.S. negotiations with Iran, but the safety of American service members, diplomats, their families and ex-pats around the region. I agree with President Trump’s instinct to distance the U.S. from Israel’s actions, but Iran and its proxies are unlikely to differentiate the U.S. from Israel…This is a dangerous moment for the region and world. The Trump Administration must quickly move to de-escalate the situation.”
06-12-25 Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA): “Our commitment to Israel must be absolute and I fully support this attack. Keep wiping out Iran and the nuclear personnel. We must provide whatever is necessary – military, intelligence, weaponry – to fully back Israel in striking Iran.”
06-12-25 Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC): “Game on. Pray for Israel … People are wondering if Iran will attack American military personnel or interests throughout the region because of Israel’s attack on Iran’s leadership and nuclear facilities. My answer is if they do, America should have an overwhelming response, destroying all of Iran’s oil refineries and oil infrastructure putting the ayatollah and his henchmen out of the oil business … I hope and pray the ayatollah and his henchmen who are still alive will heed President Trump’s counsel. If not, America — the greatest power for good on Earth — should be all-in to help Israel finish the job…”
06-12-25 Sen. John Thune (R-SD): “The United States Senate stands ready to work with President Trump and with our allies in Israel to restore peace in the region and, first and foremost, to defend the American people from Iranian aggression, especially our troops and civilians serving overseas. Iran should heavily consider the consequences before considering any action against Americans in the region.”
06-13-25 Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI): “While tensions between Israel and Iran are real and complex, military aggression of this scale is never the answer. I urge both nations to show immediate restraint, and I call on President Trump and our international partners to press for diplomatic de-escalation before this crisis spirals further out of control. President Trump must be crystal clear with the American people and the international community in charting a way forward. The world cannot afford more devastating conflict born of short-sighted violence.”
06-13-2025 Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and defense must be ironclad as they prepare for Iran’s response… The Iranian regime’s stated policy has long been to destroy Israel and Jewish communities around the world. I have long said that Israel has a right to defend itself and that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Ensuring they never obtain one must remain a top national security priority… [I am] praying for the safety of American citizens and servicemembers in the region and for enduring stability and security in the region.”
U.S. House of Representatives
06-12-25 Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY): “The U.S. stands strongly with our ally and partner Israel. Iran, the world’s largest sponsor of terror, must NEVER achieve nuclear weapons capability … I know that President Trump’s top priority is protecting the American people, our brave U.S. service members, and our national security by ensuring the full dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program to ensure they can never develop a nuclear weapon.”
06-12-25 Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI): “The Israeli government bombing Iran is a dangerous escalation that could lead to regional war. War Criminal Netanyahu will do anything to maintain his grip on power. We cannot let him drag our country into a war with Iran. Our government must stop funding and supporting this rogue genocidal regime.”
6-12-25 Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN): “Regardless of what Trump thinks, Israel knows America will do whatever they want and feels confident about their ability to get into war and have the American government back them up. Israel also knows they can always rely on getting America to protect and serve its needs. Everyone in America should prepare themselves to either see their tax dollars being spent on weapon supplies to Israel or be dragged into war with Iran if this escalates.”
06-13-25 Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA): “Israel and the United States have been united, including in our shared insistence that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. President Trump and his Administration have worked tirelessly to ensure that outcome. Unfortunately, Iran has refused to agree and even declared yesterday its intent to build a new enrichment facility. Israel decided it needed to take action to defend itself. They were clearly within their right to do so. Iran will face grave consequences if it responds by unjustifiably targeting U.S. interests. Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!”
06-13-25 Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY): “Iran should never be allowed to become nuclear capable. I’m hopeful that cooler heads will prevail in the Middle East and the situation is de-escalated.”
Foreign Government Leaders
06-13-25 Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “China is closely following Israel’s attacks on Iran and is deeply concerned about the potential grave consequences of the operation. China opposes actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes moves that escalate tensions and enlarge conflicts. The abrupt heating up of the region serves no one’s interests. China calls on relevant parties to choose the course of action that is conducive to peace and stability in the region and avoid further escalation. China stands ready to play a constructive role in helping ease the situation.”
06-13-25 French President Emmanuel Macron: “France has repeatedly condemned Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and had taken all appropriate diplomatic measures in response. In this context, France reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure its security. To avoid jeopardizing the stability of the entire region, I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate. Following the Israeli strikes on Iran and its nuclear program, I convened the National Defense and Security Council this morning. All necessary steps will be taken to protect our nationals and our diplomatic and military missions in the region … Today, I spoke with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Qatar, the German Chancellor, the British Prime Minister, and the President of the United States. Peace and security for all in the region must remain our guiding principle.”
06-13-25 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: “Israel’s attacks on our neighbor Iran are a clear provocation that disregards international law. The Netanyahu administration is trying to drag our region and the entire world into disaster with its reckless, aggressive and lawless actions. The attacks of Netanyahu and his massacre network, which are setting our entire region on fire, must be prevented. As Türkiye, we condemn the heinous attacks against our neighbor Iran.”
06-13-25 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy.”
06-13-25 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “This nuclear program violates the provisions of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and poses a serious threat to the entire region, especially the State of Israel. We reaffirm that Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilize the entire region. We are coordinating closely with our partners, particularly within the E3 with France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Germany stands ready to influence the conflict parties using all diplomatic means at our disposal. The goal must remain that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. We have agreed in the Security Cabinet to take all necessary precautions to protect German citizens in Israel, Iran, and the region.” (Note: Merz’s statement continues in eight-part thread in comments of first statement)
06-13-25 Russian Foreign Ministry: “We express extreme concern about the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East. We strongly condemn the military action of the State of Israel in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law on the night of June 13.” (translation)
06-13-25 Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: “Ukraine is following with concern the developments in the Middle East in connection with Israel’s overnight strikes on facilities on the territory of Iran … It is essential to avoid further destabilization of the region and to prevent civilian casualties. We also recall that the Iranian regime supports Russia in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and provides Moscow with weapons to kill Ukrainians. Iran is the source of numerous problems in the Middle East and beyond. We are convinced that the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East will meet the interests not only of the region, but also of the entire international community. Security in Europe and the Middle East are directly linked. In this context, we call on the international community to take joint and decisive action to overcome today’s security threats and to coordinately deter a group of aggressive regimes – Russia, Iran, and North Korea.”
06-13-25 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim: “I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the Israeli military strikes in Iran, including targeted attacks that have killed senior Iranian leaders. This is a grave and reckless act, one that threatens to further destabilise a fragile region. It’s clear aim is to sabotage the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. It also comes amid renewed scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and mounting political pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu. Malaysia calls on Israel’s partners – especially those with influence and leverage – to apply maximum pressure to halt further aggression. The international community must not enable actions that sabotage diplomacy and endanger global peace.”
06-13-25 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia: “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. While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression.”
06-13-25 Turkish Foreign Ministry: “We condemn in the strongest terms the Israeli airstrike on Iran. This attack, which constitutes a blatant violation of international law, is a provocation that serves Israel’s strategic destabilization policy in the region. The timing of the strikes, which occurred during intensified negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, clearly indicates that the Netanyahu government is unwilling to resolve any issue through diplomatic means and does not hesitate to risk regional stability and global peace for its own interests. Israel must immediately cease its aggressive actions that could lead to broader conflicts. We reiterate that we do not want to see any more bloodshed and destruction in the Middle East. We call on the international community to take urgent action to prevent the spread of war.”
06-13-25 Foreign Ministry of Oman: The Foreign Ministry expresses the Sultanate of Oman’s strong condemnation of the brutal military aggression launched by Israel against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which targeted sovereign facilities and caused casualties. Oman considers this action a dangerous and reckless escalation that constitutes a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. It also represents unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behaviour that undermines the foundations of stability in the region … This clearly reveals a deliberate intent to obstruct the diplomatic process and ignite a wider conflict that will have dire consequences for regional and international peace. While Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its repercussions, it calls on the international community to take a clear and firm stance to halt this dangerous approach, which threatens to preclude diplomatic solutions and to undermine the security and stability of the region.”
06-13-25 Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam: “I strongly condemn the dangerous Israeli aggression against Iran. It constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty, and its repercussions threaten the stability of the entire region, and even world peace.”
06-13-25 Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and deep denunciation of the Israeli attack targeting the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Qatar considers the assault a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law and its established principles … The State of Qatar underscores the urgent need for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to act swiftly to half these Israeli violations. The State of Qatar reaffirms its firm position in rejecting all forms of violence and reiterates its call for restraint and the avoidance of escalation that could widen the scope of conflict and undermine regional security and stability.”
06-13-25 Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani: “As nations seek diplomatic solutions for peace in the Middle East, Israel’s actions continue to undermine the prospects for peace & put our people & global security & peace in imminent danger. The international community must stop these dangerous violations before it is too late.”
06-13-25 Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar: Pakistan “strongly condemn[s] [the] unjustified Israeli attacks on [the] Islamic Republic of Iran” and stands in solidarity with Iran. Pakistan warned that the strikes threaten the peace, security and stability of the entire region.
International Institutions
06-12-25 Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary General Farhan Haq: “The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. 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 program are underway. The Secretary-General recalls the obligation of UN Member States to act in accordance with the UN charter and international law. 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.”
06-13-25 United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres: The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. 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 recalls the obligation of UN Member States to act in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. 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.
06-13-25 Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi: Grossi stated that nuclear facilities “must never be attacked” and called “on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation” following Israeli strikes on Iran. “This development is deeply concerning… I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.”
06-13-25 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate.”
06-13-25 EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas: “The situation in the Middle East is dangerous. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation.
06-13-25 Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC): “… Have strongly condemned the Israeli occupation airstrike on Iran, expressing deep concern over the growing regional escalation and calling for immediate international action to prevent further instability and escalation.”