Nations react to US strikes, urge diplomacy

U.N. Secretary General António Guterres warned of 'catastrophic consequences' and insisted diplomacy is the only solution

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Several close US allies urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran's nuclear program. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.

US President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israel's war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days.

Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday. While the amount of damage remained unclear, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had "crossed a very big red line," the time for diplomacy was over and Iran had the right to defend itself.

Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at US targets scattered across the Gulf region.