Operation 'Rising Lion': How world leaders reacted to Israel's strike on Iran; Netanyahu vows to continue operation

World leaders reacted swiftly on Friday to Israel’s military operation against Iran, launched late Thursday night with explosions reported in the capital, Tehran.Iran’s state-run news agency confirmed the blasts, while Israel’s defense minister described the attacks as "preemptive strikes."The strikes come amid rising tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities. Just hours before the operation, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors issued its first formal censure of Iran in 20 years. In response, Tehran announced plans to construct a third enrichment facility and upgrade its centrifuge technology. While Israel has long accused Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran denies the allegations.The international response has been swift, with several nations calling for restraint and emphasizing the risks of further escalation in the region.Israeli prime minister Benjamin NetanyahuIn a video statement, Netanyahu said, "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival."“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."“We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program, Iran's nuclear weaponization program, Iran's main enrichment facilities, leading nuclear scientists, and ballistic missile programs,” he added.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio Issuing a clear statement distancing the US from the Israeli action, he said, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”Australi foreign minister Penny Wong "Australia is alarmed by the escalation between Israel and Iran. This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile.

We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions.”"We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.”New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon"It's a really unwelcome development in the Middle East. The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need any more military action, and risk associated with that."Japan’s chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi "Japan continues to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, while implementing every possible measure to ensure the protection of Japanese citizens."