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Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 16:38 IST
Israel and US launched coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting global criticism, airspace closures, flight disruptions, and warnings of retaliation as world leaders urge restraint.
Israel and US launched coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting global criticism, airspace closures, flight disruptions, and warnings of retaliation as world leaders urge restraint. (Image : reuters)
response poured in on Friday and Saturday following coordinated military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, pushing regional tensions to new heights and drawing widespread diplomatic criticism.
The joint offensive, which began on Saturday as part of what Israeli officials described as a pre-emptive operation, targeted multiple Iranian military and strategic sites. Tehran reported explosions over several cities, including the capital, and Iran has warned of “crushing" retaliation.
World Leaders Urge Restraint, Condemn Escalation
The strikes drew rapid reactions from across the globe, reflecting deep concern over the potential for a broader conflict.
Russian former President Dmitry Medvedev, dismissed negotiations and said, “The peacemaker (USA) once again showed his face, all negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything."
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticised the military action, warning that destabilising manoeuvres risk Lebanon’s security and unity.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide questioned the legal justification and said, “The preventive strikes are not in line with international law.’
Meanwhile, the European Commission president called for “maximum restraint" to protect civilians and uphold international norms, emphasising diplomatic solutions over military escalation.
Regional Fallout And Travel Disruptions
The strikes have had immediate effects beyond diplomatic statements:
Airlines cancelled and suspended flights across Middle Eastern airspace amid safety concerns, with major carriers rerouting or halting service to and from Iran and neighbouring countries. Flight maps showed airspace largely empty over the conflict zone.
Several countries in the Gulf region imposed airspace closures as explosions were reported not only in Iran but in parts of Israel and the wider Middle East.
US And Israeli Justifications
As the military action unfolded, US President Donald Trump described the strikes as “major combat operations" aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and curbing its nuclear ambitions. Trump also urged the Iranian people to seize the moment and overthrow their government, framing the offensive as a longstanding effort to protect regional security.
Israel’s leadership echoed this rationale, calling the strikes necessary to remove what it described as an “existential threat" from Tehran’s military apparatus
Iran’s Response And Escalation Risks
Tehran has promised a decisive response to the assault, with state media reporting that Iranian forces are preparing countermeasures against both Israeli and U.S. targets. Iranian officials have warned that military bases linked to the United States and Israel could be considered legitimate targets in retaliation.
The situation remains volatile, with airspace closures, cancelled flights and international advisories underscoring the immediate concern for civilian safety. Global calls for restraint continue to mount even as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent further escalation.
First Published:
February 28, 2026, 16:38 IST
News world Global Reaction To US-Israel Strikes On Iran: 'Preventive Strike Not In Line With Law’
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