Israel-Hamas war, Gaza genocide

[SvennoJ]

US strikes on Iran will ‘encourage more states’ to seek nuclear weapons

The US Arms Control Association, a nonpartisan group, has condemned US attacks as “illegal” and says it only increases the risk of Iran and other countries seeking nuclear weapons.

“President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel’s illegal attacks against the Iranian leadership, civilian targets, and the country’s major nuclear sites represents an irresponsible departure from Trump’s pursuit of diplomacy and increases the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran,” the organisation said in a statement.

“The failure to resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis will further erode confidence in the global nonproliferation system and encourage more states to consider the pursuit of nuclear weapons to thwart attacks by other nuclear-armed states,” it added.

Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela slam US attacks on Iran

Some of the first global reactions to the US attacks have come from Latin America. And they have been quite critical.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly condemned the US bombing, saying it constituted a “dangerous escalation” and a serious violation of the UN charter. He added that it “plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences”.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric also called the US action illegal. “Chile condemns this US attack,” he wrote on X. “Having power does not authorise you to use it in violation of the rules that we as humanity have given ourselves. Even if you are the United States.”

Mexico, meanwhile, called for dialogue. “In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region. The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority,” the Mexican Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Venezuela also denounced the attack. In a statement on Telegram, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said his country “firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the US military, at the request of the state of Israel”. He also called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities”.

Australia, New Zealand call for diplomacy

The Australian government appeared to offer tacit support for Trump’s actions, saying Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international security. It said it notes Trump’s statement that now is the time for peace, and added, “We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, meanwhile, expressed worry about the action, but did not condemn the attacks. “It is critical further escalation is avoided,” Peters said. “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

China says US attack ‘seriously violates’ international law

Beijing has “strongly condemned” the US attack on Iran, noting its nuclear facilities were under the safeguards of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency.

“The actions of the US seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation.”

 

Last edited by SvennoJ - on 22 June 2025