World leaders have called for Israel and Iran to de-escalate their ongoing conflict.
Israel struck military and nuclear targets in Iran last week, sparking days of missile exchanges.
Both countries have reported civilian deaths.
Petrol prices have also risen after the attacks began.
Here’s how the world has responded to the direct conflict between Israel and Iran.
Background
Last week, Israel launched a wave of strikes across Iran, targeting military and nuclear facilities, including residences of military officials in Tehran apartment buildings.
Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
The latest death toll from Iran’s health ministry is at 224 people, both military and civilians. Israeli officials said 24 people have been killed since the attacks began, all civilians.
Photos and videos show buildings reduced to rubble in both countries.
Israel cited Iran’s recent progression towards developing a nuclear bomb for launching a series of strikes. It struck a nuclear facility in its first wave of attacks.
Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, warned Iran had repeatedly failed to show its “nuclear material was not being diverted for... military use”.
Australia
Australia has urged Iran and Israel to de-escalate violence.
Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told the ABC: “We urge de-escalation, we urge restraint, we urge dialogue and diplomacy.”
Wong condemned Iran’s nuclear build-up, without expressing support for Israel’s strikes.
Wong also said the federal government is working on plans for repatriation flights from both countries for stranded Australians.
U.S.
In 2015, Iran signed a treaty agreeing to develop nuclear technology for “peaceful” uses such as energy. In return, countries, including the U.S., would incrementally lift their sanctions.
The U.S. withdrew from the deal during Trump’s first term. Since his return to office, the U.S. and Iran have resumed discussions over the nuclear program.
On Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign... IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON... Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
Planned talks between the U.S. and Iran have now been cancelled.
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The U.S. is now pushing for peace talks between Israel and Iran.
Reuters reports Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing unnamed official sources.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that Trump will leave the international G7 summit early “because of what’s going on in the Middle East”.
Region
Two neighbouring countries, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have condemned Israel’s strikes.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry released a statement calling the initial strikes a “dangerous escalation”. In a separate memo after meeting with France’s foreign minister, Qatar expressed support for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
Qatar has acted as a negotiator in regional conflicts, including in the Israel-Hamas war.
UK and EU
In a social media post, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “Escalation serves no one in the region.”
UK citizens are advised against travelling to Israel.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called Iran’s nuclear build-up a threat to “the broader stability of the region” beyond Iran.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added: “Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon.”
Russia
Russia has developed strategic links to both Israel and Iran over recent years.
Growing ties between Russia and Iran have caused concern in Western democracies, especially after Russia’s military allegedly began using Iranian-made drones to strike Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin condemned Israel’s initial round of strikes. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he urged the “importance of returning to the negotiation process.”
Petrol
Conflict in the oil-rich region is usually accompanied by a jump in petrol prices.
Brent crude oil is rose to around $US73 ($AU110) per barrel on Tuesday, having climbed 7% in the hours after strikes began on Friday.
Online stock analyst Trading Economics said the price jump came after Israel struck an oil field in Iran.
Uncertainty over Iran’s ability to export oil could also trigger price hikes.
