Brussels. World leaders reacted warily Saturday to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.

European governments convened emergency meetings and moved to protect their citizens in the Middle East, with key leaders calling for renewed negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Australia and Canada voiced stronger backing for the strikes, while Russia and China sharply criticized the military action.

Britain, France, and Germany called for a resumption of US-Iran nuclear talks and condemned Iranian attacks on countries in the region. They stopped short of directly endorsing or criticizing the US and Israeli strikes.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a joint statement that their countries did not take part in the strikes but remain in close contact with the US, Israel and regional partners.

The three nations have led diplomatic efforts to resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future,” the statement said.

The strikes pose a dilemma for Washington’s allies. While European leaders oppose Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its hard-line theocratic rule, they are reluctant to endorse unilateral military action by President Donald Trump that could violate international law and trigger wider conflict.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of using nuclear concerns as a pretext for regime change.

China said it was “highly concerned” and urged an immediate halt to military action and a return to talks. “Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” its Foreign Ministry said.

Concerns of a “New, Extensive” War

It remained unclear whether US allies received advance notice of the attacks. Germany said it was informed only Saturday morning. France’s junior defense minister said Paris expected action but did not know the timing.

Macron earlier called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, warning that fighting among the US, Israel, and Iran could have “serious consequences for peace and international security.”

Starmer chaired a meeting of Britain’s emergency committee, with a government spokesperson saying London does not want “further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” Germany’s crisis management team was also set to meet.

“NATO is closely following developments in Iran and the region,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra supports US efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, describing Iran’s leadership as destabilizing. Australia severed diplomatic ties with Tehran last year after accusing it of orchestrating antisemitic attacks on Australian soil.

Canada also backed the military action. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

EU Urges Restraint

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the situation “perilous” and said she was engaging Israeli and Arab officials to pursue a diplomatic solution.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa urged restraint and respect for international law, calling on all sides to protect civilians and ensure nuclear safety.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned that failed negotiations could spark a “new, extensive war in the Middle East.”

‘Totally Irresponsible’

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the strikes.

“These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons,” Executive Director Melissa Parke said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israeli strikes and accompanying US action, warning the conflict has pushed the Middle East to the “edge of catastrophe.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the attacks as “unwarranted” in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.