The World Reacts to the War in Iran

Courtesy of  Jin-Man Lee, the Associated Press.  11/27/2022.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale military operation to eliminate the “imminent threat in Iran,” according to President Trump.

To date, the operation has resulted in the destruction of Iranian military facilities and the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including long time Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world," said President Trump during a video uploaded to Truth Social. 

In the same video, President Trump called for regime change in Iran, asking the Iranian people to “take over [the Iranian government].”

Within hours of the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks toward Israel and U.S-allied countries throughout the Middle East and began military actions to block trade in the Strait of Hormuz

In the weeks since, no clear proposals have been put forth by American or Israeli leadership for regime change or an exit plan, with additional retaliatory attacks and increased military buildup signaling the possibility of a larger, prolonged conflict in the region. 

Israel

Since the initial strikes on February 28, Israel has stood as a major partner of the United States, partaking in all major American military operations against Iran. 

In the hours after the initial strikes, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, published a video sharing similar objectives to the U.S.. “The aim of the operation is to put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran.” In the weeks following, Israel has fended off multiple missile attacks from Iran and its proxies while conducting airstrikes in Iran and aiding the assassinations of several high ranking Iranian officials. On March 2, the Iranian backed Lebanese paramilitary group Hezbollah launched a series of retaliatory missile attacks against Israel.. In response, Israel intensified ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon while continuing to attack targets throughout Iran. 

On March 16, Israel announced that it has started “limited ground operations in southern Lebanon" against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon but has remained unclear as to how long the operation will last or whether the United States will be involved. Important point here.

Gulf States

Despite proactive aggression from Iran and aligned rebel groups, Arab gulf states have expressed reluctance to join the conflict.

Following the initial strikes, Iran launched multiple retaliatory strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan on February 28.

In the response to the attacks, the United Arab Emirates issued a statement in which it,  

“condemned and denounced” the attacks “in the strongest terms." 

The same statement described the attacks from Iran as a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.” 

In the following weeks the United Nations passed Resolution 2817 condemning Iran’s actions as "egregious" in the resolution’s official wording. 

Since late February, several more attacks from Iran have occurred throughout the gulf. However, no countries have taken direct action to join in the conflict.

The United Nations

The United Nations and affiliated agencies have strongly condemned the intervention since the  initial strikes occurred, but have taken no action regarding U.S. or Israeli military operations. 

In a statement on February 28, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” warning that “failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”

“All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations. The Charter clearly prohibits “the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations," A consensus echoed by Guterres. Aside from Resolution 2817, no other motions have been filed by the U.N regarding the conflict.

Prior to the removal of Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro on January 3rd, the intervention in Iran is the second most significant American military action since World War II to be conducted against another U.N. recognised nation and state leader without explicit U.N. approval. Interesting point.

NATO

NATO countries have exercised restraint in joining the conflict, with no allied states aside from the U.S. directly partaking in strikes against Iran.

Following the initial attacks, the U.K., France, and Germany issued a joint statement on February 28, condemning the action (which action?) and calling for the U.S. to return to negotiations (expand upon the fact that negotiations were ongoing before this) with Iran while being open to the possibility of involvement. 

“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future,” the statement read. 

Following multiple retaliatory missile strikes from Iran against civilian targets in Turkey and additional strikes against NATO military bases throughout the Middle East, NATO decided not to invoke Article 5. Expand a bit on this point. 

In response to the attacks both France and Britain have since explored joining the conflict, with both nations sending military ships to the region and authorizing the U.S. to use air bases for strikes against Iran.

On March 14, President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, requested greater direct military and support from NATO allies to combat Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz 

“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” the post said. 

In response to Trump's plea, major NATO allies such as France and Britain refused to increase their military commitment, fearing a widening conflict. 

Include a French statement as well. In a statement on March 16, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Britain "will not be drawn into the wider war" but is "looking through the options" to help the shipping channel reopen.

Russia 

The Russian government described the U.S. and Israeli strikes as a “deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” in an official statement on February 28. 

Russia has stood firmly with Iran since the intervention began, condemning the actions of the U.S. and Israel while providing diplomatic and reported military support to Iran during the conflict.

In recent weeks, several mainstream American news outlets have reported the Russian government has begun providing Iran with missile systems and intelligence on American military targets. 

In the last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern Russia may send troops to support Iran in the future. hyperlink

Prior to the Iranian conflict, Russia had been heavily aligned militarily with Iran, using Iranian drone systems and weapons throughout the war in Ukraine.  

Aside from military interest, both states have similar economic interests as leading members of OPEC with oil dependent economies. 

China

China has stayed relatively removed from the conflict, with no documented military support for Iran aside from brief diplomatic action and continued trade with Iran. hyperlink

Despite the limited military support, China has remained reliant on Iranian oil to help supplement limited Chinese oil reserves. With reports of Iran sending 11.7 million barrels of crude oil to China since the conflict started. 

China was the only member of U.N. aside from Russia to vote against Resolution 2817 to condemn Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes throughout the Middle East. 

Chinese leaders have put out statements condemning the conflict, including Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, who said “

“China is deeply concerned over the current situation. China firmly opposes the use of force in international relations or infringement on other countries’ sovereignty and security. The priority now is to immediately stop military operations and prevent the spread and spillover of the conflict.”