Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply following United States airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow carried out early Sunday under orders from President Donald Trump.

The strikes drew mixed international reactions, highlighting a deepening global divide over how to manage the growing crisis.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the US strikes, describing Iran’s nuclear programme as “a grave threat to international security,” as reported by The Guardian.

Starmer said Washington’s actions were aimed at averting that threat and called on Tehran to return to diplomatic negotiations.

Echoing this stance, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Iran to “show restraint” and re-engage in talks.

According to Al Jazeera, The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation,” Kallas wrote on X, adding Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also stressed “We are closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern,” he said.

In contrast, China and Russia strongly condemned the US attacks.

According to Xinhua, China’s foreign ministry criticised the bombings as a “violation of the UN Charter and international law,” claiming the actions had worsened regional instability.

The ministry called for an immediate ceasefire, particularly urging Israel to participate in de-escalation efforts and resume dialogue.

Russia issued a similar rebuke, labeling the US decision “irresponsible” and “a flagrant violation of international law.”

Moscow called for an end to hostilities and urged renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, as reported by The Moscow Times.

Iran, for its part, warned that the strikes would have lasting consequences, further fueling concerns of a broader conflict in an already volatile region.