World on edge after airstrikes

World on edge after airstrikes | Daily Tribune

The world is on edge after the United States launched precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a dramatic escalation in the Middle East conflict that has triggered mixed reactions from global powers and regional neighbors.

In a televised address from the White House, US President Donald Trump declared the bombing “a spectacular military success,” saying Iran’s key enrichment sites were “completely and totally obliterated.”

“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace,” Trump declared, warning Tehran that more targets could follow if it retaliates.

Iran: US blew up diplomacy

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, accused the United States of deciding to “blow up,” diplomacy with its intervention into the war alongside Israel.

In a post on X, Araghchi said Israel blew up negotiations between Tehran and Washington with its strikes on 13 June, while the United States did the same to talks with European powers this week with its strikes on Sunday.

Addressing European calls for Iran to return to negotiations, he asked: “How can Iran return to something it never left?”

Speaking later at a news conference in Istanbul, he said the United States and Israel had crossed a “big red line” by attacking Iran’s nuclear sites.

The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency said it had not detected any increase in radiation levels at key nuclear sites in Iran following the US strikes.

Israel: ‘Change history’

In contrast, Israel applauded the strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump’s decision “bold,” saying the attack would “change history” and lead the region to “a future of prosperity and peace.”

Netanyahu said he had fulfilled his promise to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities and praised US military might as “unsurpassed.”

Pence praises Trump

Former US Vice President Mike Pence also lauded the military operation, describing it as a necessary move to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

“Iran could never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Thanks to the resolve of our Commander in Chief and the courage and professionalism of our Armed Forces, America, Israel, and the Free World are safer as a result,” Pence said.

DFA: US doing its best for world peace

At home, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the United States is doing its best for world peace, following reports of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

DFA Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Robert Ferrer made the statement in a radio interview, reacting to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

“I think the US administration is doing its best for world peace,” Ferrer said. “This was triggered by a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, which indicated that Iran was not being fully transparent.”

Ferrer added that the IAEA’s findings may have played a role in provoking Israeli military action.

Global powers call for restraint

Elsewhere, world powers called for calm but stood firm that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Tehran to “return to the negotiating table,” emphasizing that “stability in the region is a priority.”

The European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed that sentiment, urging all sides to “step back” and prevent further escalation. EU foreign ministers are set to meet on Monday to discuss the crisis.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge,” calling diplomacy the “only hope for peace.”