Israel-Iran War
Israel-Iran War: The world responds
From travel warnings to calls for diplomacy, many countries are being careful to address the ongoing conflict in Israel and Iran without flaring tensions.
As war breaks out between Israel and Iran, the world has been looking on in caution. Here is the current status of Israel's allies and the signs of potential next steps.
June 16:
The United States of America
Trump vetoed Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports NBC
Netanyahu did not directly refute the initial Reuters report about the proposed assassination attempt but dismissed “false reports” about discussions between the United States and Israel.
Trump signals 'possible' US involvement in Iran conflict, says DW
Donald Trump said there would be 'peace soon,' while not ruling out US involvement in the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran launched a fresh ballistic missile offensive into Israel.
The United Kingdon:
UK military could 'potentially' be used to defend Israel, chancellor tells Sky News
The chancellor called for de-escalation in the Middle East, and warned of the domestic impact of rising oil prices and the disruption to global trade. Rachel Reees said that UK military assets could "potentially" be used to help defend Israel, and the government is "not ruling anything out".
UK to warn against travel to Israel, according to The Telegraph
The UK is set to warn against all travel to Israel amid the escalating conflict with Iran. The Foreign Office will place Israel on “red” alert - the same level as Iran - as airspace over both countries remains closed.
UK sending more RAF jets to Middle East, confirms BBC
More RAF jets are being sent to the Middle East amid intense fighting between Israel and Iran, the prime minister has said. Sir Keir Starmer said the military aircraft, including Typhoons and air-to-air refuelers, were being sent "for contingency support across the region".
France
France boosts security around Israeli, Jewish, American sites due to Iran conflict, says Times of Israel
France is boosting security, including around Jewish and US sites on its territory, because of the conflict between Israel and Iran, the country’s interior minister said in a domestic order sent on Saturday. “Special vigilance” must be given “to all sites that could be targeted by terrorist or malicious acts by a foreign power,” French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said in a dispatch to regional security chiefs.
The European Union
"We believe that diplomacy must prevail."
"The European Union is following very closely the situation in the Middle East and expresses its deepest concern at the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s response. The EU reiterates its strong commitment to regional security, including the security of the State of Israel, and calls on all sides to abide by international law, show restraint and refrain from taking further steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release.
"The EU has always been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and is concerned about the IAEA’s recent report based on which the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its legally binding nuclear safeguards obligations under the NPT. But lasting security is built through diplomacy, not military action.
"We believe that diplomacy must prevail. The EU will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue which can only be through a negotiated deal."
First published: 14:07, 15.06.25
