'Iran can end this now': World leaders react to US-Israel strikes
The majority of European and Middle Eastern leaders are hoping to find a way forward without a nuclear escalation, which was claimed to be the reason for the strikes in the first place.
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.(AP Photo)(AP Photo/Leo Correa)

France advises its citizens to exercise caution

France, maintaining a military presence in the Middle East through its bases, has urged its citizens in the area to remain highly vigilant.

President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the severe implications for global peace and security if conflict erupts between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

He shared on the platform X that the current escalation poses significant risks to all involved and urged an immediate cessation. Macron called on Iran to sincerely engage in negotiations aimed at halting its nuclear and missile programs, as well as actions causing regional instability.

Lebanese PM doesn’t want to be dragged into the conflict

Nawaf Salam clarified his stance, asserting that his nation will not be pulled into the turmoil.

“I reiterate that we will not allow anyone to lure the country into risky ventures jeopardizing its security and cohesion,” the prime minister declared.

Norwegian Foreign Minister says Israel broke international law

Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, expressed skepticism about Israel’s justification for its actions against Iran, suggesting they fall outside acceptable legal norms.

“The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law,” he said.

Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat.”

‘Deeply worrying” turn of event Finnish President says

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that “recent events in the Middle East are deeply worrying”.

He adding that “ensuring nuclear safety and long-term security in the region is of utmost importance to all of us.”

Finland “condemns all actions that seek to escalate the conflict in the region and urge for utmost restraint,” he added.

Ireland’s leader also “deeply concerned”

Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin wrote that he is “deeply concerned by developments in Iran and the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region”, urging “all parties to exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome.”

Hungary worries about oil pipeline

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that the strikes on Iran have “doubled the importance of the Friendship oil pipeline,” which runs through Ukraine and supplies Russian crude oil to his country.

Shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and ⁠Slovakia have been cut off since late January, when Kyiv says a ​Russian drone strike hit pipeline equipment in Western Ukraine.

Solidarity for Israel from Albania

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama said his country “stand(s) firm with Israel” and “support(s) the United States” in their actions today.

“We fully endorse every decisive effort to prevent once and for all the murderers in Tehran from acquiring nuclear or any other military capacity to harm Israel or any other peace-loving nation in the Middle East,” he said.

– Reported with Associated Press, Reuters and CNN.

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