The Middle East is facing its most dangerous escalation in years as full-blown hostilities erupt between Iran and Israel. What began as a targeted Israeli air campaign on Iranian military and nuclear sites has quickly spiralled into a deadly exchange of missile and drone strikes, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured on both sides.
In response, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles deep into Israeli territory and formally suspended its nuclear negotiations with the United States. The conflict has drawn global concern, shaken oil markets, and raised fears of a wider regional war. Despite mounting international pressure for restraint, both sides continue to issue threats, with no clear path toward de-escalation.
Global oil prices surged amid escalating tensions, as Tehran’s formal suspension of nuclear negotiations followed Israel’s extensive airstrikes. The flare-up prompted urgent calls for restraint from world leaders. While the United States firmly backed Israel’s right to self-defence, countries including Turkey, China, and Russia condemned the strikes and warned of dire consequences if the conflict continues to spiral. Oman, the mediator in the now-shelved US-Iran dialogue, confirmed that talks were no longer viable “under these circumstances,” delivering a diplomatic blow to an already volatile crisis.
The rapid escalation has triggered widespread concern across the international community, with world leaders urging both sides to step back from the brink.
United Nations
UN Secretary‑General António Guterres urged both Israel and Iran to “exercise the utmost restraint” and condemned any military escalation in the region.
Turkey
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran as violations of international law and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of “seeking to set the region on fire” and undermining nuclear diplomacy. He warned such actions could ignite broader regional instability.
India / SCO
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, India distanced itself from a China‑led statement condemning Israel’s airstrikes, emphasizing its absence from those discussions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its position: urging “dialogue and diplomacy” and warning against escalatory steps.
China
China, speaking on behalf of the SCO, strongly condemned the Israeli attacks and urged de-escalation.
Russia
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin reportedly communicated concern over the strikes, condemned them, and offered to mediate between Iran and Israel.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron called for “maximum restraint” while affirming “Israel’s right to defend itself”.
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged both nations to refrain from further escalation, stressed the importance of Israel’s security, and offered diplomatic support to prevent a regional conflict.
United Kingdom
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported Israel’s right to self-defence but stressed upon de-escalation, deploying combat aircraft to the region as precaution.
United States
President Donald Trump backed Israel’s offensive, warning Iran that “far worse” awaits unless it curbs its nuclear program. The US also aided in intercepting Iranian missiles during their retaliation. A senior US official was quoted in a report saying that American assistance in intercepting Iranian missiles, especially during Iran’s retaliatory strikes .
Oman
Oman, which was facilitating U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, announced the cancellation of the upcoming round, stating diplomacy was still needed but the timing was now “not right”.
Egypt
Egypt condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as dangerous escalations that threaten regional stability. Several Gulf states also urged caution, stressing upon energy security and the risk of wider conflict .
