US Strike on Iran Triggers Swift Reactions Across Asia-Pacific

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region have responded to the United States' attack on three locations they claimed as nuclear facilities in Iran, namely Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. The attack has escalated the war between Israel and Iran.

The U.S. strike was launched more than a week after Israel carried out a military campaign against Iran. Iran retaliated with missile attacks. The reciprocal attacks resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides.

Here are several key responses from various countries in the Asian-Pacific region following the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, as reported by Al Jazeera and NDTV.

Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that promptly easing the conflict is crucial.

"We are carefully monitoring changes in the situation with grave concern," he said.

Japan also called for the de-escalation of the conflict in Iran and stated that the U.S. attack demonstrates Washington's determination to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Japan also expressed that it is "deeply regrettable" that the situation between Israel and Iran has escalated into a cycle of retaliation, according to Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

"Japan continues to strongly hope that the path to dialogue will be reopened by efforts toward a resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue through talks between the U.S. and Iran," Iwaya said in a statement.

China

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites. China views the attack as a violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, and it worsens tensions in the Middle East.

"China strongly calls on the parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to prioritize the interests of the people in regional countries, immediately implement ceasefire," the ministry wrote through X.

"China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East."

North Korea

North Korea's 'strong condemnation' of the U.S. attack on Iran

A spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack violated the UN Charter and blamed the tension on the "relentless war movement and expansion of territory by Israel," which is "driven by the West".

The official said North Korea "strongly denounces the attack on Iran by the U.S., which ... violently trampled down the territorial integrity and security interests of a sovereign state."

They also called on the international community to "express condemnation and rejection of the confrontational actions of the U.S. and Israel."

Iran and North Korea have maintained close relations and are suspected of collaborating on the development of military technology.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for the U.S. attack on Iran and called for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.

"The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon. And we support action to prevent that," Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

He said that "the information is clear" that Iran has enriched uranium to 60 percent, and "there is no other explanation for reaching 60 percent, other than being involved in a program not related to civilian nuclear energy."

"Had Iran complied with the very reasonable requests that were made, including by the IAEA, then circumstances would have been different," Albanese added, referring to enrichment restrictions.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes, and the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also dismissed Israel's claims that Iran is close to making nuclear weapons.

New Zealand

The New Zealand government stated that it is paying attention to the situation in the Middle East.

"We acknowledge the developments of the last 24 hours, including President Donald Trump’s announcement of US attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran," said Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

"Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided," he said. He added that New Zealand "strongly supports efforts toward diplomacy."

"We strongly support efforts towards diplomacy, and urge all parties to return to talks."

Iran's Position

In his first public statement after the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of violating international law.

"The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations," Araghchi said in a social media post.

"The events this morning (Sunday) are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior."

He added that Iran "reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people."

Israel's Statement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump. He praised the U.S.'s bold move to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the extraordinary might of the United States.

"Congratulations President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement aired on television.

"History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons."

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