Russia slams Trump's 'irresponsible decision' to strike amid Putin-Tehran talks

The Russian foreign ministry has said it “strongly condemns” US President Donald Trump's “irresponsible decision” to attack Iranian nuclear facilities.

Three nuclear sites in Iranwere bombed by US forces overnight, with missiles dropped from American B-2 stealth bombers on Iran's Fordow nuclear site, as well as the country's Natanz and Isfahan locations. Trump said the key nuclear sites had been “completely and fully obliterated” as a result of the attacks.

Responding directly to the attacks, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday: “The consequences of this action, including radiological ones, have yet to be assessed. But it is already obvious that a dangerous escalation has begun, fraught with further undermining of regional and global security. The risk of an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, already engulfed in multiple crises, has increased significantly.”

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Hardliners close to Vladimir Putin had earlier demanded Russians "take up arms" following reports of the bombings. Putin’s former deputy premier and space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin, now a warmongering senator, said: "Whether our grandchildren will be proud of their grandfathers depends on you and me, on our national instinct for self-preservation, on our readiness to take up arms, learn the high-tech rules of modern warfare and end it with a convincing victory. The one who is ready to go to the end always wins.”

China's foreign ministry also said it "strongly condemns" the attacks. A statement said: "China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the U.S. seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.

"China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation. 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."

UN chief Antonio Guterres admitted he is "gravely alarmed" by the US attacks on Iran, describing them as a "dangerous escalation" towards wider conflict. Sir Keir Starmer insisted Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat” and called for restraint following the attacks. There was no British involvement in the action but the Government was informed in advance of the strikes, which involved B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched missiles.

The Prime Minister said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

Iran launched a ballistic missile barrage against Israel in retaliation to the US action. The foreign ministry in Tehran issued a statement condemning “the United States’ brutal military aggression against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities”.

It added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend Iran’s territory, sovereignty, security and people by all force and means against the United States’ criminal aggression.”