Israel Strikes Iran Nuclear Sites, Global Powers Urge Calm

Following Israel's extensive airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites, including the death of senior Iranian figures such as Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami, global leaders and organizations have called for restraint to prevent further escalation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both Israel and Iran to stop the violence and prioritize diplomacy, especially as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were underway. Gulf countries, while officially condemning the attacks and calling for calm, showed mixed public reactions with some celebrating the strikes due to Iran's regional proxy activities. The EU, represented by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the urgency of de-escalation and the importance of dialogue to avoid a wider crisis. Russia and China condemned the strikes as unacceptable and unprovoked, expressing concern about regional stability. Meanwhile, the U.N.-backed IAEA highlighted the serious safety and security risks posed by attacks on nuclear facilities, underscoring the critical need for peaceful resolution amid rising tensions.