UN response, ceasefire negotiations, and international mediation efforts
The diplomatic response to the Iran crisis has been swift but deeply divided. Within hours of the first strikes, the UN Security Council convened an emergency session, though the prospect of meaningful action remains limited by the veto power of permanent members. The US and UK have defended the strikes as a necessary response to Iran's nuclear breakout threat, while Russia and China have condemned the military action as a violation of international law and demanded an immediate ceasefire.
Oman has rapidly emerged as the key mediating party, building on its decades-long role as a neutral diplomatic bridge between Iran and the West. Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq personally contacted both Washington and Tehran within hours of the strikes, and Muscat is hosting back-channel communications through Swiss intermediaries. Qatar, Turkey, and China have each offered to host ceasefire talks, though Iran has so far refused direct negotiations until military operations cease completely.
The broader international reaction reveals deep fault lines. The EU is divided between members who tacitly support the strikes and those demanding condemnation. Arab Gulf states face the acute tension of hosting US military bases while their populations face Iranian retaliatory attacks. India, a major Iranian oil buyer, has called for restraint while quietly securing alternative energy supplies. The diplomatic path to de-escalation remains unclear, with both sides currently prioritising military objectives over negotiation.
Major US police departments including NYPD, LAPD, Chicago PD, and Miami PD reported heightened security measures with increased patrols around synagogues and government facilities nationwide.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on the Iranian military to defect and join the people, saying the strikes present an opportunity for regime change.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed support for the strikes against Iran, calling Tehran an accomplice of Russian President Putin in the war against Ukraine.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement distancing themselves from the US-Israeli military operation against Iran, stating they did not participate in the strikes.
The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency session following the escalation of hostilities between the US-Israel coalition and Iran. Russia and China called for immediate de-escalation.
President Trump delivered a prime-time address declaring the success of Operation Epic Fury. He stated that Iran's nuclear weapons program has been set back decades and warned Tehran against further escalation.
Ayatollah Khamenei appeared on state television vowing a devastating response to what he called unprovoked American and Zionist aggression. He ordered full mobilization of IRGC forces.
The International Atomic Energy Agency issued an urgent statement condemning the targeting of nuclear facilities and warning of potential radiation release from damaged sites at Isfahan and Natanz.
Russian President Putin condemned the US-Israeli strikes and ordered heightened readiness for Russian forces in Syria. Moscow warned of catastrophic consequences if the conflict expands.
Saudi Arabia announced it would not participate in military operations against Iran and declared its airspace open only for humanitarian and evacuation flights. Riyadh called for immediate ceasefire.
EU leaders announced an emergency summit for Saturday as the bloc activated its Integrated Political Crisis Response mechanism. European airlines rerouting all Middle East-bound flights.
Beijing called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and offered to serve as mediator. Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized the need to return to the JCPOA framework for diplomatic resolution.
Oman has emerged as the primary mediating party, with Muscat hosting back-channel communications between Iranian and US officials. Switzerland, which represents US interests in Tehran, is also facilitating diplomatic contacts. China and Turkey have offered to mediate, and the UN Secretary-General has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. No formal ceasefire talks have begun as of February 28, 2026.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency session within hours of the strikes. The Secretary-General condemned the escalation and called for maximum restraint. A ceasefire resolution was introduced but faces likely vetoes from the US and potentially Russia, who have opposing positions on responsibility for the escalation. The General Assembly is expected to hold an emergency special session.
Oman is the lead mediator given its longstanding neutral diplomatic role and existing relationships with both Tehran and Washington. Qatar is providing logistical support through its diplomatic channels. Turkey, China, and India have each offered to host or facilitate talks. The EU has activated its crisis mechanisms and the High Representative is conducting shuttle diplomacy across the region.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has stated that any ceasefire must include: an immediate halt to all military operations, withdrawal of US naval forces from the Persian Gulf, compensation for damage to civilian infrastructure, lifting of all sanctions, and international guarantees against future attacks. Western diplomats consider several of these preconditions non-starters for negotiations.