US strikes on Iran raise regional tensions, draw widespread condemnation

U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities drew swift condemnation across the Middle East on Sunday, stoking fears that the latest escalation could ignite a broader regional conflict.

The attacks, which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, further destabilized an already volatile landscape. Regional leaders warned the situation risked spiraling into a wider cycle of violence with grave consequences.

The Arab League voiced on Sunday "deep concern" over the developments, condemning "any military actions that violate the sovereignty of states." In a statement, it warned that the escalation risked triggering "an endless cycle of ongoing violence, with negative repercussions for all."

Türkiye also sounded the alarm, calling the U.S. strikes a grave escalation. "We have repeatedly warned of the risk that regional conflicts, ignited by Israeli aggression and destabilization, could spiral out of control. Today's U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has brought this risk to its highest level," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

Ankara cautioned that the situation may escalate from a regional dispute into a global crisis, urging restraint and renewed diplomacy.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned the "rapid escalation," reiterating its rejection of any actions that violate the United Nations Charter and international law. Cairo warned that continued escalation could plunge the region into deeper chaos and called for political and diplomatic solutions as "the only path toward resolving the crisis."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun echoed the warnings, saying the strikes risked igniting a broader conflict. "Such developments could threaten security and stability across multiple countries and regions," he said, urging restraint and serious negotiations to prevent further bloodshed. "This escalation could be prolonged, and the cost may be unbearable," Aoun added.

Saudi Arabia also expressed concern, condemning the violation of Iran's sovereignty. The Saudi Foreign Ministry urged all parties to exercise restraint, reduce tensions, and avoid further escalation.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry warned of "catastrophic" consequences if hostilities continue. In a statement, it called for dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing respect for international law, the UN Charter, and state sovereignty.

In the Gulf, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the situation with fellow Gulf leaders, stressing the need for wisdom, restraint, and a commitment to diplomatic solutions.

Sudan's Foreign Ministry said the U.S. attack "pushes the region into further complexities that negatively impact international peace, security, and stability." Khartoum reaffirmed its rejection of any violation of Iran's sovereignty and called on the international community to support peaceful negotiations.

Three Palestinian factions -- Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine -- denounced the strikes as a dangerous escalation that threatens international peace and security and serves Israeli interests.