Finance

Global reaction to Israeli, US attacks on Iran

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 28, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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Global reaction to Israeli, US attacks on Iran
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Feb 28 (Reuters) - Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, plunging the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation as President Donald Trump vowed to destroy Tehran's

International Responses to US and Israeli Strikes on Iran

Feb 28 (Reuters) - Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, plunging the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation as President Donald Trump vowed to destroy Tehran's missile arsenal and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Below is international reaction to the attacks:

Global Reactions to the Conflict

DMITRY MEDVEDEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF RUSSIA'S SECURITY COUNCIL

"The peacemaker once again showed his face," Medvedev, a former Russian president, said. "All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything."

"The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let's see in 100 years…"

Lebanon's Stance on Regional Stability

LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER NAWAF SALAM

"I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity."

NORWEGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ESPEN BARTH EIDE

Norway's Perspective on International Law

"The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat."

(Compiled by Sam Holmes; editing by Barbara Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • The joint operation—known as Operation Lion’s Roar (Israel), Operation Epic Fury (U.S.), or Shield of Judah—targeted Iran’s military infrastructure and Supreme Leader’s compound amid failed nuclear and missile negotiations (apnews.com).
  • Iran promised a 'crushing response' and reserved all options, warning U.S. and Israeli bases would be seen as legitimate targets (washingtonpost.com).
  • Russia’s Medvedev denounced the strikes as revealing the ‘peacemaker’s face,’ while earlier Kremlin messaging called for restraint amid an 'unprecedented escalation' of U.S.–Iran tensions (theguardian.com).
  • Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned being dragged into dangerous 'adventures,' urging protection of national unity (theguardian.com).
  • Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide challenged legality, stating preventive strikes require an 'immediately imminent threat' under international law (theguardian.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the Israeli and US attacks on Iran?
The attacks were aimed at destroying Tehran's missile arsenal and preventing nuclear weapon development, according to President Donald Trump.
How did Russia's leadership react to the attacks?
Dmitry Medvedev criticized the attacks, suggesting that negotiations were merely a cover and pointed to the resilience of the Persian Empire.
What concerns did Lebanon's Prime Minister express?
Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam emphasized that Lebanon would not be dragged into actions threatening its security or unity.
How did Norway's Foreign Minister comment on the legality of the attacks?
Espen Barth Eide noted the attacks were not in line with international law and questioned the justification for preventive strikes.
What are possible global financial impacts of renewed conflict in the Middle East?
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East often lead to market volatility and concerns across global finance sectors.

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