Reactions to the 2026 Iran war

Reactions to the 2026 Iran war:

  Israel and the United States.

  Countries that supported the Israeli-American attacks.

  Countries that condemned the Iranian attacks.

  Iran.

  Countries that condemned the Israeli-American attacks.

  Countries that condemned both attacks.

  Countries that expressed mixed reactions or made calls for peace.

Beginning on 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched coordinated joint attacks on various sites in Iran, which started the 2026 Iran war. Codenamed Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States Department of Defense, it has targeted key officials, military commanders, facilities, and is aimed at regime change.

Political

United States

US president Donald Trump speaking on the United States strikes in Iran

President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military have begun "major combat operations" in Iran, describing it as "a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America". In a video posted to Truth Social, he reaffirmed that "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people", adding: "For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries." Trump said that talks with Iran will be easier following the assassination of Ali Khamenei. On the third day of the conflict, Trump said that the US military is "knocking the crap out of Iran but the big wave of attacks yet to come" and mentioning the possible use of ground troops.

American lawmakers have had mixed reactions. Republican senator Lindsey Graham supported the action, along with other members of his party, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, as well as some Democrats, including Senator John Fetterman and Representative Josh Gottheimer. Mike Johnson, the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, said that Israel would have attacked Iran even if it were without the help of the United States, and the consequences of this would have been "devastating". He called the involvement of the United States in the attack "absolutely necessary for our defense". Other Republicans opposed the operation, including Representative Thomas Massie and former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Democratic politicians tended to be more withdrawn. Representative Jim Himes stated, "Everything I have heard from the administration before and after these strikes on Iran confirms this is a war of choice with no strategic endgame." Senator Mark Warner, after attending a classified briefing on the war, said there was no immediate threat from Iran. Senator Tim Kaine called for a check on Trump's power to engage in war without the support of Congress, supported by Republican senator Rand Paul, Democratic senator Chuck Schumer (the Democratic leader of the Senate, who was in a classified briefing on the Iran war. After it, he said he "found their answers completely and totally insufficient".), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Democratic senator Andy Kim; the Constitution of the United States, Article One, Section Eight, Clauses 1 and 11 together enumerate that "The Congress shall have Power ... to declare war."

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned President Trump's decision to attack Iran, further accusing Israel of dragging the United States into a long war. Newsom added that Israel was "sort of an apartheid state." The Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands David M. Apatang praised President Trump's actions and congratulated him for "doing what you needed to do", saying that he prayed for the safe return of US service members.

Members of the US congress introduced war powers resolution, known as the War Powers Act, that would have held back Trump's attack on Iran. The resolution was already being crafted before the strikes began. The act would have immediately stop US attacks sixty days (and an extra thirty if Trump writes to congress) after Trump reported it unless Congress declares war. S.J.Res. 104 was voted on by the Senate on 4 March 2026. It failed in a 47-53 vote. On 5 March 2026, H.Con.Res. 38 , introduced in June 2025 by Thomas Massie (R-KY-4), was voted on in the House of Representatives and failed in a 212-219 vote. In a letter in regards to the proposal, Trump told the president pro tempore of the United States Senate that he attempted to negotiate with Iran but that that a diplomatic route became impossible.

Right-wing commentators additionally condemned the operation. The Daily Wire host Matt Walsh called the Trump administration's messaging "confusing" and contradictory. Both Walsh and Andrew Tate described armed conflict with Iran as irrelevant to the needs and interests of the American people, while Infowars host Alex Jones claimed that it would "activate terrorist sleeper cells" and increase the likelihood of World War III. Influencer Nick Fuentes, meanwhile, accused Israel of dragging the United States into war with Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to Walsh's remarks by stating that "Preventing this radical regime and its terrorist leaders from threatening America and our core national security interests is a clear-eyed and necessary objective", further claiming that the operation "correct[s] decades of cowardice and hold[s] those responsible for the deaths of Americans accountable".

A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 27% of Americans approved of the US operation while 43% disapproved and 29% were unsure. Another by CNN found that 59% of Americans disapproved of the strikes, only 41% approved. An analysis on The Guardian accused the invasion of being an act of imperialism. Other critics of Trump, including Democratic politicians, far-right influencers, and social media users, referred to the war with satirical names to allege that the war aims to distract Americans from investigations into Trump's past with the financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in the Epstein files like the "Epstein War" and "Operation Epstein Fury" (or "Operation Epstein's Fury"), the latter being a reference to the operation codename "Operation Epic Fury".

Following Khamenei's assassination celebrations have also been reported in other parts of the world including the Iranian community in Los Angeles, condemning Khamenei while many of them were calling for regime change and Iranian freedom.

Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal of the strikes was to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran", stating that "our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands." Foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said that military action against Iran was urgently needed "despite the significant risks involved", adding that "delay would have allowed the Iranian regime to reach a level of immunity for its nuclear programme, as well as to engage in the mass production of long-range ballistic missiles". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the first to report and celebrate the assassination, stating "for 47 years, the Ayatollah regime has chanted 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America.' It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and slaughtered its own people." Defense Minister Israel Katz celebrated the killing, stating "he who acted to destroy Israel – has been destroyed ... Justice has been served, and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow."

Iran

Government

Iran's Foreign Ministry vowed a response as Iranian forces struck US bases across the Persian Gulf. The Supreme National Security Council said Iran was targeted by a "brutal air operation" carried out by the US and Israel, saying: "This occurred once again during negotiations, and the enemy imagines that the resilient Iranian nation will surrender to their petty demands through these cowardly actions." Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called the attacks "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate". Vice President Aref stated that the path to social justice will not be resisted or stopped by any missile attack.

Following the assassination of Khamenei, Ayatollahs Naser Makarem Shirazi and Hossein Noori Hamedani issued a fatwa for Jihad against America for Muslims to avenge his death, saying vengeance was "the religious duty of all Muslims in the world so that the evil of these criminals is eradicated from the Earth". Iranian regime declared they have lifted any and all import/export rules and restrictions. They announced they have enough fuel and medicine readily available. They threatened bakeries to not to close shop and work for 16 hours a day making bread. Some 8 official clerics of Iranian government clergy called for protecting Iranian regime against attack.

The National post corporation paused all parcel delivery until 3 March. All sporting events were canceled after they were banned by government. Iraq or UAE will possibly replace Iran in 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer events. Iranian haj Mecca pilgrims were instead returned from Saudi Arabia by land.

IRGC General Syed Majid Ibn-al-Riza replaced the slain former minister of Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (Iran) (MODAFL) Aziz Nasirzade. The Iranian government ordered civilians not to evacuate the cities of Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Mahshahr, and Bushehr, but the SNSC ordered people to evacuate Tehran. Schools were closed and switched to offline home Shaadapp school learning for the remainder of the year.

The government also renewed a "near total" internet blackout in Iran, as NetBlocks reported internet connectivity in Iran dropping to 4% of ordinary levels. Iranians abroad have reported that they have been unable to connect with family members in Iran. Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian armed forces threatened that Iran will target Israeli embassies globally if the Iranian embassy in Lebanon was targeted.

Military

Interim Supreme Leaders' Council chief member Justice Ayatallah Mohsen Ejei said there are no deadlocks within the Islamic Republic government system. The IRGC warned that newer warheads getting carried by missiles are more than 500 kg. IRGC general Jabari stated that "US military planes are being moved there we will shoot so many missiles into Cyprus that you will flee there as well." Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said attacks by Iran will continue until as long as they are defending.

In the third day in Operation True Promise IV IRGC, Khatam al-Anbia central headquarters stated they launched 10 waves of drone and missile attacks against various Israeli cities and Americans. IRGC Brig. Gen. Seyyed Majid Ibn al-Reza replaced Aziz Nasirzadeh, the former Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, who was assassinated in a missile strike on day 1.

Iranian civilians

The Lion and Sun flag is widely used as a symbol of opposition to the ruling Islamic government that the strikes are aiming to overthrow.

The Daily Telegraph and Iran International circulated footage showing civilians in Iran celebrating the strikes, with some expressing the hope that the events might weaken or even topple the current leadership.

Civilians were witnessed celebrating the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while security forces opened fire on celebrants in the streets. On 1 March 2026, a video showed a crowd of civilians toppling a monument dedicated to Ruhollah Khomeini. On the other hand, outlets including The New York Times, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty released photographs of pro-government rallies. In those images, participants were seen carrying Islamic Republic flags and portraits of Ali Khamenei while voicing opposition to the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Some blamed the regime for the outbreak of the war, and some were concerned it would survive. There was some panic in areas with strikes.

As news of Khamenei's death broke out, some Iranians celebrated in the streets in an expression of "joy, shock and disbelief", though security forces were deployed to prevent an uprising along with a renewed internet blackout. Despite the internet blackout, videos of people celebrating Khamenei's death in Karaj, Qazvin, Shiraz, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Sanandaj were circulated, with security forces opening fire on some celebrants. Footage also showed security forces shooting at people chanting behind the windows of their homes.

Iranian diaspora

See also: 2026 Iranian diaspora protests § Celebrations following the Israeli–United States strikes on Iran

Exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi is aligned with Israel and the United States and has prepared a transitional government that he says is ready to take over should the Islamic Republic be overthrown.

Maryam Rajavi, leader of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, also announced a rival transitional government.

Celebratory rallies were also held worldwide across the Iranian diaspora, where Iranians gathered waving anti-regime symbols, including the Lion and Sun flag, echoing the cheerful sentiment of many in Iran.

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based exiled son of the former Shah of Iran, urged Iranians inside Iran to prepare to resume protests as the Islamic Republic "collapses", called on the military and security forces to side with the public rather than the ruling government, and described US action against Iran as a "humanitarian intervention" while urging Trump to avoid civilian harm. Pahlavi put forward the Iran Prosperity Project, an initiative affiliated with the US-based National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), which outlines plans for the first 180 days of Iran's governance following the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic, including measures for economic stabilization and institutional reconstruction.

Maryam Rajavi, the leader of the France–Albania based National Council of Resistance of Iran, which is the political wing of the Islamist–Marxist organization People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, announced the formation of a rival transitional government and rejected both the Islamic Republic and the Iran Prosperity Project.

International

See also: Assassination of Ali Khamenei § International

The IAEA Board of Governors convened an emergency meeting requested by the Russian Federation on 2 March in the Vienna International Centre. European Union Commission President ⁠Ursula von der Leyen and Council ⁠President Antonio Costa called the conflict "greatly concerning" and urged restraint. On 1 March 2026 it was reported she supports a "credible transition" of power in Iran. A spokesperson for NATO stated they were closely watching the situation while a senior official told Stars and Stripes that its missile defence vigilance was heightened in order to protect its member states in the event that Iranian attacks expanded. Mark Rutte, NATO secretary general, said in an interview with BBC news that Europe is "supportive" of the U.S. attacks on Iran, as Iran is a "threat". He also said that he felt that the US "knows what it is doing."

States

Africa

• Angola: The Press Office of the President issued a statement stating that government is following the escalation with "deep concern" and called for "maximum restraint" and dialogue to cease hostilities.
• Djibouti: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks in territory of the Gulf states, arguing that such states called for peace and were not seeking war, urging for an immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue. Shortly after the president Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, while reaffirming its alignment with Saudi Arabia by granting them access to military facilities, warned to Somaliland about the possibility of establishing an Israeli base in Berbera as such would threaten the regional stability across the Horn of Africa and the neutrality of the Red Sea countries in the Israel-Houthi conflict, accusing both Israel and United Arab Emirates in driving strategic realignments across Northeast Africa that intensifying the risk of current conflicts (like the Somali Civil War, Sudanese Civil War, Insurgency in Chad, Libyan crisis) and possibly merging them with the Yemeni civil war and the 2026 Iran-Israel War.
• Egypt: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated his full support of the GCC states against Iranian aggression, warning from further escalation.
• Kenya: President William Ruto called for deescalation and condemned the Iranian strikes on its neighbours.
• Morocco: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian retaliatory strikes on several Arab states and reaffirmed Morocco's "solidarity with the brotherly Arab states in all legitimate measures they take to respond to this attack and protect their security". The royal cabinet released a statement saying that King Mohammed VI conversed with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia by telephone to express his condemnation.
• Somaliland: President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi held a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressing concern at the unfolding events and calling for the protection of civilians. Abdullahi also condemned Iran's strikes on its neighbours.
• South Africa: Without mentioning any involved parties by name, on 28 February, president Cyril Ramaphosa called on the international community to "redouble efforts" regarding restraint and adherence to international law in the Middle East, with specific reference to Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Asia

• Afghanistan: The foreign ministry said that recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran would have “long-term negative consequences” for the region, as hostilities continued to escalate (the Taliban regime is also fighting a concurrent war against Pakistan at the same time). In a statement, the Taliban expressed what it called “deep regret” over the attacks on Iran. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi denounced the aggression against Iran and extended condolences to the Iranian government and people over the targeting of Khamenei.
• Armenia: The government and foreign ministry condemned Israel's "unilateral attack", calling it "deeply concerning".
• Azerbaijan: In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the negotiating table. The Ministry emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all states in accordance with the UN Charter.
• Bahrain: Bahrain condemned the Iranian strikes on the headquarters of the US Navy Fifth Fleet which it hosts, calling it a "treacherous attack" and a "blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and security".
• Cambodia: The Foreign Ministry called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation that would harm civilian lives and undermine peace."
• China: The foreign ministry expressed concerns about the US and Israeli strikes, called for an immediate end to hostilities against Iran, and to resume dialogue. It also stressed that Iranian sovereignty must be respected. Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the attack. On 1 March, the foreign ministry stated that the killing of Khamenei is "a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security", which tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. The People's Liberation Army released a video on 1 March, through its "China Military Bugle" account, showing fighter jet drills conducted by both the People's Liberation Army Air Force and the People's Liberation Army Navy. Captioned "Prepare For War At Any Time", it sharply criticized American and Israeli actions against Iran.
• India: The Ministry for External Affairs expressed its concerns and requested all three nations for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spoke with Gulf leaders and condemned the strikes and attack on sovereignty without mentioning Iran. Modi also spoke with the Israeli PM. The Indian government did not condemn the assassination of Khamenei, just like in similar previous cases. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed a condolence book a few days later without mentioning any background of Khamenei's demise. An Indian Navy destroyer, INS Surat (D69), and a frigate was on deployment in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden under Operation Sankalp. The destroyer had also been on a visit Bahrain from 16 February. The warships could be immediately diverted for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, as per a senior defence official.
• Indonesia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regretting the failure of negotiations between Iran and the United States. In a call to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono stated President Prabowo Subianto's willingness to travel to Tehran in an attempt to mediate the conflict. Amid escalating Middle East tensions, Indonesia paused its engagement with the US-initiated Board of Peace, as domestic calls for withdrawal intensified following the US-Israel attacks on Iran.
• Iraq: On 4 March 2026, after reports stated that President Trump had spoken with Kurdish leaders in Iraq Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani about the next stages in the war in Iran, including a potential Kurdish ground invasion of Iran, national security advisor Qasim al-Araji said that Iran had requested that Iraqi forces move to the border between the Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran to impede any aggression by Kurdish forces. Al-Araji stated further that Iraq will not allow an invasion of Iran to be launched from its territory.
• Japan: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on X that "As the Japanese Government, we will prepare for any potential risks, and handle it in the best possible way that we can." Takaichi also emphasized during the House of Representatives Budget Committee that "Japan's consistent position is that Iran's development of nuclear weapons can never be tolerated" and urged Iran to cease hostilities. However, she did not make any statements over the actions taken by Israel and the United States. Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi also announced that the preparations were being made to evacuate Japanese expats in the region by the Self-Defense Forces. Japan has, as of March 1, stopped short of taking sides, while continuing to analyze the events.
• Kazakhstan: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the Security Council to ensure domestic stability following the strikes, while the ministry of foreign affairs expressed solidarity with Gulf states and condemned Iranian retaliatory actions.
• Kuwait: Kuwait condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory as a "flagrant violation" of international law.
• Lebanon: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged restraint following the Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing that Lebanon must not be dragged into a wider regional war and should prioritize its own security and stability. Salam also condemned Hezbollah's decision to join the war by attacking Israel, calling it "an irresponsible and suspicious act that jeopardizes Lebanon's security and safety and provides Israel with pretexts to continue its aggression". He also said "We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures".
• Malaysia: Malaysia officially condemned the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory Iranian strikes in the region, calling for de-escalation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed a stronger stance, "unreservedly" condemning the assassination of Ali Khamenei, describing it as a "vile attempt" to destroy regional stability. He further accused Israel of lacking humanity and moved to table a parliamentary motion to condemn the attack.
• Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu condemned attacks by all sides while expressing support for the Arab nations attacked by Iran.
• North Korea: A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's and the United States' attacks as "illegal aggression" that "constitute the most heinous form of violation of sovereignty". The spokesperson added that "the Democratic People's Republic of Korea condemns in the strongest terms the shameless and gangster-like behaviour of the United States and Israel, who do not hesitate to abuse military force to achieve their selfish and hegemonic ambitions, placing domestic law above recognized international law", stating the "war of aggression" cannot be justified.
• Oman: Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed "dismay" at the outbreak of violence in spite of the 2026 Iran–United States negotiations, urging the United States to "not get sucked in further" into the conflict, adding "this is not your war." A spokesperson for the Foreign Minister condemned the strikes, calling them illegal aggression. Oman also called for a UN Security council meeting.
• Palestine: The Palestinian Authority condemned the Iranian retaliatory strikes on the Gulf Arab states, stating that it "affirms the solidarity of our people and their steadfastness alongside the sister Arab nations" and expressed support for "whatever measures" they take to defend themselves.
• Pakistan: Pakistan's Foreign Minister condemned the Israeli and American strikes on Iran. He also stated he reminded Iran of the mutual defense agreement they signed with Saudi Arabia in September 2025.
• Philippines: President Bongbong Marcos called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and expressed support for "the countries that have come under attack".
• Qatar: The foreign ministry strongly condemned Iran for launching missiles at Qatari territory, calling it a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and reaffirming its right to respond.
• Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry condemned what it called "blatant and cowardly Iranian attacks" on Riyadh and Eastern Province, highlighting that the attacks took place in spite of the explicit closure of its airspace. In a statement released by the official press agency, Saudi Arabia condemned the "flagrant" and "brutal Iranian aggression" on its fellow Arab states of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, stating that it was a "blatant violation" of their sovereignty. Saudi Arabia claimed to have intercepted all Iranian attacks aimed at its territory and said that it would "take all necessary measures" to defend itself, "including the option of responding to aggression".
• Singapore: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it "regrets the failure of negotiations", calling on parties involved to return to negotiations to achieve a peaceful solution", citing international law and the UN charter.
• Syria: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it "strongly condemns the Iranian attacks" that targeted Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.
• Turkey: The government condemned the strikes from both sides.
• Turkmenistan: The government of Turkmenistan, which adheres to a strong neutral international position, called the outbreak of the war "regrettable" and called for a diplomatic solution to solve the problem. The government of Turkmenistan, one of the most strict countries in travel visa regulations, opened safe ways for foreigners in Iran, especially Russians, to enter Turkmenistan as a route of evacuation.
• United Arab Emirates: The defence ministry condemned the Iranian attacks on its territory in the "strongest terms", calling the attacks "a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians", and stating that it has the "full right" to respond. The UAE also closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrew all its diplomatic mission. The UAE also closed its stock exchange.
• Uzbekistan: The ministry of foreign affairs expressed "serious concern" over the escalation of hostilities, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and seek a diplomatic resolution to prevent further regional instability.
• Vietnam: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally reiterated the state's opposition to the use of force against sovereign nations, without explicitly mentioning any side of the conflict.

Europe

• Albania: Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed Albania's support for "the United States in militarily supporting Israel today under the leadership of President Donald Trump". He added that "we stand firm with Israel and with the peace-seeking brotherly Arab countries", and declared that Albania will designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. While most European governments called for restraint following the escalation of violence in the Middle East, Albania emerged as one of the most outspoken supporters of the US-Israeli military action against Iran. This position reflects Albania's longstanding alignment with the United States, as well as its strained relations with Iran, which have been influenced by Albania's hosting of members of the exiled Iranian opposition group Mujahideen-e-Khalq (MEK) and Iran-sponsored cyberattacks against Albania.
• Andorra: The Minister of Foreign Affairs Imma Tor Faus expressed solidarity with the victims of the war and reaffirmed Andorra's commitment with peace. The government also announced that it is following the situation of more than 30 Andorran citizens stranded in the UAE and Qatar.
• Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker condemned Iran's attacks on Persian Gulf nations, adding that the Iranian people deserve a "life in peace, security, and prosperity."
• Belarus: President Alexander Lukashenko called "Israel’s treacherous attack on Iran with U.S. support" "unacceptable" to Belarus.
• Belgium: Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned the attacks by Iran on its neighbours in the "strongest possible terms", advising Belgian nationals in the regions to seek shelter.
• Bulgaria: The foreign ministry condemned the Iranian strikes on Gulf states, describing them as a 'dangerous military escalation' for which Iran bore responsibility. It also urged Iran to cease its military actions.
• Croatia: Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman called for deescalation and condemned Iran's "intransigence and lack of credibility" which resulted in the attacks by the US and Israel.
• Cyprus: President Nikos Christodoulides condemned Iranian drone and missile attacks against several Arab states, describing them as violations of international law. He emphasized Cyprus's commitment to regional stability and called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels.
• Czech Republic: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš declared the "uncontrollable Iranian nuclear programme and support for terrorism" a danger to the Czech Republic and to all of Europe, adding the Czech Republic stands by the US and Israel and expressed a belief that stability and peace will soon prevail in the region. Further in the day, Babiš had also labelled Iranian attacks on the various Arab states a breach of their sovereignty, given they did not participate in the initial strikes.
• Denmark: On 28 February, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated, "Iran's past actions are completely unacceptable," and mentioned that Danish officials are "closely monitoring" developments in the Middle East.
• Finland: President Alexander Stubb condemned the Iranian strikes. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen posted on X that Khamenei's assassination opens a window for long-awaited change in the Middle East, adding that "Iran has provided Russia with drones and missiles used in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Its non-compliance with nuclear non-proliferation agreements has been a constant threat to world peace".
• France: President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. On 28 February 2026, Macron issued a joint statement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemning Iranian attacks on regional countries. On 3 March, Macron said that France "cannot approve of" the strikes being conducted "outside of international law", and said that Iran bears primary responsibility, while also announcing movement of materiel into the Mediterranean.
• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he was informed in advance and that deliberations were underway in a joint statement with France and the UK. Addressing concerns over the legality of military action against Iran, Merz acknowledged a "dilemma", noting that decades of reliance on international law and sanctions had proven "clearly ineffective" against the regime. On 1 March, Merz classified the Iranian government as a 'terrorist regime' responsible for decades of domestic oppression, stating that Germany shares the goal of the United States and Israel to end its 'terror'.
• Greece: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed support for the need to control Iran's nuclear and ballistic missiles capabilities while stressing safety for Greeks in the region.
• Hungary: Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized that military strikes on Iran have increased the significance of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
• Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he was deeply concerned by developments in Iran and urged all parties to exercise restraint, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He declared that the protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighbouring countries must be paramount to ceasefire efforts.
• Italy: Foreign minister Antonio Tajani noted that Italy had "given Iran clear signals, but it did not back down". American bases in Italy were put on high alert and a meeting on the topic was pursued. Defence minister Guido Crosetto had travelled to Dubai with his family the day prior to the attacks, and thus had to continue his duties from abroad. Italy reported that around 58,000 Italians were stuck in the Middle East following the start of the hostilities. PM Meloni said Italy will send air-defence aid to Gulf countries.
• Kosovo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement supporting the strikes on Iran.
• Liechtenstein: The government issued a statement calling for deescalation, regional stability, and the protection of civilians, while condemning the Iranian strikes on its neighbours.
• Luxembourg: Prime Minister Luc Frieden said that he "supports the Iranian people", stressing that they must now be allowed to "decide their future, free from violence and oppression."
• Malta: Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks, conveying support for Qatar and the UAE.
• Netherlands: Prime Minister Rob Jetten has maintained a critical stance toward Tehran, calling for a cessation of its military activities and highlighting the Dutch government's "deep concerns" regarding the Iranian regime's internal repression and its role in regional escalation.
• North Cyprus: Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu declared that "There is no need for Turkish Cypriot people to panic" because the TRNC has no "military targets of any country" unlike the Southern part.
• Norway: Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said: "The attack is ⁠described by Israel as a preventive strike, but ⁠it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat."
• Poland: President Karol Nawrocki stated that Poland had been aware of the military actions in advance through established communication channels with allied nations. On 3 March 2026, Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Poland was not participating in U.S. military operations against Iran, noting that no such request had been made. He warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could jeopardize arms supplies to Ukraine and provide an economic boost to Russia via increased energy prices.
• Portugal: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called for maximum restraint in order to avoid escalation, but condemned Iran for unjustifiably attacking neighbouring countries, insisting on the cessation of the country's nuclear programme and urging Iran to respect the human rights of its people.
• Romania: Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu condemned the Iranian regime's internal crackdown and its military aid to Russia, stating that the announcement of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death marked a significant turning point. On 3 March 2026, the foreign ministers of Romania and Poland called on all parties involved in the escalating Middle East tensions to exercise maximum restraint, respect international law, and protect civilians.
• Russia: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the attacks by the United States and Israel as a "reckless step" and a "deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression", accusing them of pushing the region into a "humanitarian, economic, and potentially even radiological disaster".
• Slovakia: Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed solidarity with countries affected by the attack on Iran—specifically the United Arab Emirates—noting that retaliatory actions were expected.
• Slovenia: the government stated that it is following the events with concern and urged for deescalation, warning that the war could have serious consequences for regional and international security.
• Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated his government's "rejection" of "the unilateral military action of the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order" as well as of "the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard", demanding "immediate de-escalation" and negotiations aimed at a "lasting political solution". The Spanish government also denied the United States the use of joint military bases at Rota and Morón to carry out attacks on Iran. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that "The bases are not being used – nor will they be used – for anything that is not in the agreement [with the US], nor for anything that isn't covered by the UN charter." Fifteen US aircraft were reportedly seen leaving the bases shortly afterward. In response, Trump threatened to halt all trade with Spain and even impose an embargo.
• Sweden: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson denounced Iranian counterattacks and criticized the regime's "oppression" of its own citizens. He further identified Iran's nuclear program and its support for militant groups as long-term "destabilizing factors" in the Middle East and Europe.
• Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the Israeli–US strikes, stating that "it is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians", adding that "in the end, the Middle East region will become safer and more stable." The foreign ministry said that "the cause of the current ⁠events is precisely ⁠the violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, ⁠in particular the killings and ⁠repression of ⁠peaceful protesters, which have become particularly widespread in recent ‌months."
• United Kingdom: The Government urged de-escalation to avoid "wider regional conflict" and stated that it had bolstered "defensive capabilities" and that consular support was being offered to British citizens in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British planes are "in the sky" but "played no role" in the Israeli–US strikes, calling on Iran to refrain from further strikes and stop the "appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people". Starmer added that Iran had backed more than 20 "potentially lethal attacks" in the UK over the last year, and that "it is clear they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon." The UK initially did not permit the US to use British military bases for the attack, including RAF Fairford and the military bases on Diego Garcia. However, Starmer later agreed to let the US use British military bases for defensive purposes. He claimed this decision complies with international law. The government also stated that it had bolstered "defensive capabilities" in the region and that consular support was being offered to British citizens in the region.
• Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV called on the involved nations to stop what he called the "spiral of violence" and warned that the war could lead to a "tragedy of enormous proportions."

North America

• Antigua and Barbuda: Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed concern at the escalation of the conflict and condemned Iran's strikes on its neighbours.
• Bahamas: Prime Minister Philip Davis stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation, warning Bahamians that the war could harshly impact the cost of living due to the country being dependent on international trade, now impacted by the conflict. The Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis said that the Bahamas hope for a return to normalcy, advising Bahamians in the region to seek shelter.
• Barbados: The government urged Iran to uphold respect for international law and halt attacks on its neighbours, while subscribing to UN chief Gutérres's demand on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
• Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iran, describing the country as the "the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East" and a threat to international security. Carney later said that he supported the strikes "with regret, because the current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order".
• Costa Rica: Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco said that Costa Rica expects a "big conflict" following the American and Israeli attacks, adding that the war can disrupt global trade and travel. André also expressed Costa Rica's "energetic condemnation" of the Iranian attacks against its neighbours.
• Cuba: President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the US and Israeli strikes.
• Dominica: The government issued a statement expressing "deep concern" at the events in Iran, urging for restraint and the protection of civilians. The government also commended the governments of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, for demonstrating "leadership, restraint, and maturity."
• Dominican Republic: The government said it "strongly condemns" the Iranian strikes on its neighbours and called on all parties involved to show restraint and seek a peaceful solution.
• Guatemala: The government issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the UN charter, highlighting international law, state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful solutions to conflicts.
• Honduras: President Nasry Asfura avoided mentioning any country, but issued a statement on the conflict saying that Honduras supports "countries that defend their security", expressing solidarity with those who defend regional peace in the Middle East.
• Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the use of military force to impose changes, adding criticism of the United Nations, which Sheinbaum said had "stopped doing its job." Sheinbaum also expressed support for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over Spain's rift with the US, saying that "[Sánchez's] position to bet for peace is very respectable."
• Nicaragua: Co-president Rosario Murillo condemned the attacks on Iran and sent condolences over the "martyrdom of the Iranian people, of Ayatollah Khamenei, and his family."
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Prime Minister Godwin Friday expressed concern at the impact of the war in the Caribbean region, and told citizens to "brace" for the economic consequences, saying that "the bombs may not fall here, but they have serious implications for us and for other countries around the region."
• Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that Trinidad and Tobago "supports the actions of the United States and Israel and its allies aimed at preventing oppressive regimes from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities that would jeopardise international peace and security". She called Iran's nuclear program a "global threat" and expressed solidarity with the countries attacked by Iran.

Oceania

• Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles, expressed support for US and Israeli strikes, also stating Australia stood with "the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression".
• Cook Islands: Prime Minister Mark Brown ordered senior officials to take measures to secure fuel supply and other essential goods and services for the islanders, while assuring that the country could be affected economically by the war due to being in the final link of the global supply chain.
• New Zealand: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in a joint statement said "New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran's Nuclear programme, its destablilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people", acknowledging the US/Israeli strikes were "designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security" and calling for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law.
• Papua New Guinea: Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko expressed support for the US and Israel, accusing Iran of harbouring terrorism. Prime Minister James Marape conveyed sympathies for Israel and the UAE, asking for a total restoration of peace in the Middle East and beyond. Following the open support by PNG to the US and Israel, Jerry Singirok, the commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force urged PM Marape to take a neutral stance due to risks that aligning with the US and Israel would mean for security of PNG, especially of service members at the recently upgraded Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island.

South America

• Argentina: Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno expressed support for the US and Israel, saying that their military operations seek a "lasting stability in the world and security in the region".
• Bolivia: The government issued a statement reaffirming Bolivia's commitment to peace and urging the international community to uphold the observance of human rights. The statement also advised Bolivians in the region to seek consular assistance.
• Brazil: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned and expressed "grave concern" for the attacks, urging all parties involved to "respect International Law and to exercise maximum restraint to prevent an escalation of hostilities and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure".
• Chile: The outgoing government, headed by Gabriel Boric, condemned "the attacks against Iran perpetrated by the United States in conjunction with Israel, as well as the Iranian regime's response against Israel and Gulf states", expressed its concern about the military escalation in the region and called for an end to the violence, reaffirming its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation. Incoming president José Antonio Kast released a statement saying that Chile must align with democratic nations, expressing concern at civilian casualties in the strikes and the risks of the Iranian nuclear programme. Kast's office also condemned Iran's actions against its neighbours.
• Colombia: President Gustavo Petro condemned the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the assassination of Khamenei, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of "killing 108 schoolgirls" in one of the airstrikes. Petro later called for a "global front" against war and said that he will summon a peace conference to assure that the ongoing war will not hinder possibilities of a Palestinian state.
• Ecuador: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Iranian strikes on its neighbours.
• Guyana: The Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation and expressed solidarity with the Arab countries attacked by Iran, condemning Iranian strikes on them.
• Paraguay: Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano expressed support for Israel during a phone call with Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar, while President Santiago Peña condemned Iran's strikes on Arab neighbours. Peña later expressed support of the US-Israeli strikes against Iran and warned of the "failed world governance" imposed after World War II.
• Peru: The government issued a statement condemning the Iranian strikes on its neighbours and called for peace in the region.
• Uruguay: The Ministry of Foreign Relations issued a statement expressing the Government's "grave concern" over the escalation of violence resulting from military operations conducted by the United States and Israel, as well as Iran's military response targeting neighbouring countries. The statement further noted that Uruguay, as a "country committed to the promotion of peace", urges the parties involved to resume diplomatic channels in order to address issues related to "the nuclear question".
• Venezuela: The Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes on Iran, calling them a "dangerous and unprecedented" escalation amid diplomatic talks to reach a nuclear deal. Venezuela also condemned Iran's attacks on its neighbours as "undue and condemnable" and blamed a lack of dialogue in the region as a cause for the events. The message was later removed from social media after the confirmation of the death of Khamenei.

Non-state actors

Representatives from Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan the stated that they were jointly coordinating political and military decisions and preparing for a new phase, claiming that their forces were "deep inside Iran" and along the Iran–Iraq border, ready to respond as the situation develops. Nechirvan Barzani, Presindent of the autonomus Kurdistan region gave condolences the martyrdom of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a prominent religious scholar; we sympathize and share in their grief, we pray to Almighty God to bless his soul with His mercy and kindness and to grant patience and comfort to everyone." Following the targeting of Erbil International Airport and the Consulate General of the United States in Erbil by Iranian missiles, a senior commander of the Peshmerga stated that his forces were on alert and "prepared for any eventuality".

Hezbollah in Lebanon condemned the US-Israeli strikes, stating "we are confident that the American and Israeli enemy will receive a great slap and will reap nothing but failure from its tyrannical, criminal aggression." After the assassination of Ali Khamenei was confirmed, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem voted to retaliate and "undertake our duty of confronting the aggression", stating that Hezbollah would not leave "the field of honour and resistance". Hezbollah joined the war on 2 March launching strikes on Israel. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz stated that Qassem is "marked for elimination".

The Houthi movement in Yemen threatened to escalate their conflict in the Red Sea. They decided to resume missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli-flagged ships in the Red Sea. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said that his forces are "in a state of high readiness for any necessary developments", adding that Iran's retaliatory strikes are a "legitimate right and is not a targeting of the countries in which the American bases are located". Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq threatened to "soon begin attacking US bases in response to their aggression" after a strike in Jurf al-Nasr area of Iraq's Babylon Governorate killed two people and injured three others.

The International Atomic Energy Agency convened an emergency meeting requested by the Russian Federation on 2 March.

European Commission President ⁠Ursula von der Leyen and Council ⁠President Antonio Costa called the conflict "greatly concerning" and urged restraint. On 1 March 2026 it was reported she supports a "credible transition" of power in Iran.

A NATO spokesperson stated they were closely watching the situation while a senior official told Stars and Stripes that its missile defence vigilance was heightened in order to protect its member states in the event that Iranian attacks expanded. Mark Rutte, NATO secretary general, said on an interview with BBC news that Europe is "supportive" of the United States attacks on Iran stating that Iran is a "threat". Trump thanked NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for his support.

The Gulf Cooperation Council convened an emergency council meeting and ordered the Iranian regime to cease attacks on Arab countries immediately.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization express serious concern over the conflict. The statement also stated that member states of the SCO consider the use of force as unacceptable.

Protests

Main articles: Pro-Iranian protests during the 2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran and 2026 Iranian diaspora protests § Following the Israeli–United States strikes on Iran

Protests also occurred in support of the Iranian government and/or against the war. Several 'Hands Off Iran' protests were organized in the United States. Approximately 100 people attended a rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago. In Columbus, Ohio, a protest was held in Goodale Park. In Indianapolis, a protest was held at Military Park. Indivisible Jax organized a protest in Jacksonville, Florida. Hundreds of people gathered at Times Square in New York City. Approximately 100 people gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland, Oregon. In Seattle, anti-war protesters gathered at Pike Place Market.

This is in contrast to the Iranian diaspora celebration rallies, which held celebratory rallies worldwide amid the American–Israeli strikes on Iran, echoing the cheerful sentiment of many in Iran.

Attacks abroad

After the strikes began on 28 February, security officials warned of attacks from sleeper cells abroad. On 1 March, a shooting at a bar in Austin, Texas, was carried out by an American man of Senegalese descent wearing a shirt that read "Property of Allah" and an undershirt bearing the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The same day, a local gym owned by an Iranian-Canadian anti-regime activist located outside Toronto was shot with 17 bullets, hours after Khamenei's death.

Khamenei's death triggered protests worldwide. In Baghdad, demonstrators confronted security forces near the Green Zone, and protesters attempted to storm the US embassy and block roads leading to it. Protesters were seen waving flags and shouting slogans while mourning Khamenei. Riots broke out near the US consulate in Karachi in response to the assassination, with demonstrators burning and smearing the building's windows and attempting to storm it. As protests escalated, security forces opened fire, killing at least 22 protestors and injuring over 120 people. Demonstrators also vandalized several other buildings in Pakistan, including a regional office affiliated with the United Nations in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan.

See also

• Reactions to the 2025–2026 Iranian protests
• International reactions to the 2026 United States intervention in Venezuela
• Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war
• 2026 Internet blackout in Iran