World leaders call for peace after U.S. strikes on Iran

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

World leaders including U.S. allies called for peace in the Middle East after the United States launched strikes into Iran on Saturday.

French President Emmanuel Macron said war between the U.S., Israel and Iran brings “grave consequences for international peace and security.”

“The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop,” Macron wrote on social media. “The Iranian regime must understand that it now has no other option but to engage in good faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic program.”

Macron called for a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to further discuss the actions in Iran.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the military actions and warned of risks to international peace and security.

“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability,” Gutteres said in a statement.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, who helped mediate negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, warned against further military action in Iran.

“Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined,” he wrote on social media. “I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war.”

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Macron issued a joint statement calling on Iran to reach a negotiated settlement.

“We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future,” they said.

Saudi Arabia criticized Iran’s counterattack strikes on Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan.

“The Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada, criticized Iran for not backing down on its nuclear program.

“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” Carney wrote.