Nga tố cáo Mỹ không muốn đàm phán với Iran; Úc, Ukraine ủng hộ Mỹ

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a coordinated attack on Iran, sparking strong reactions from the international community and raising concerns about a serious escalation of security in the Middle East.

A massive plume of smoke rises from an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on February 28 during a joint military operation between the US and Israel targeting Iran - Photo: AFP

According to Reuters, on February 28, the Russian Ministry of Transport announced that its airlines had suspended all flights to Iran and Israel after the airspace of both countries was closed. Moscow also urged Russian citizens to leave Iran if possible.

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, former President Dmitry Medvedev, also sharply criticized Washington, saying that negotiations with Tehran were merely a "cover for military action," and accusing the US of not genuinely wanting a diplomatic solution.

"No one has ever really cared about negotiating," he wrote on Telegram, emphasizing that the attack revealed the "true face" of US President Donald Trump.

In Europe, the European Union announced the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from the Middle East, describing the regional situation as "dangerous." EU Secretary of State Von Der Leyen called on "all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law."

The UK also expressed concern that the conflict could escalate into a regional war, stressing that the top priority is ensuring the safety of citizens, while declaring that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide argued that Israel's preemptive attack was inconsistent with international law, as it is only acceptable when there is an immediate and clear threat.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared he would not accept any side dragging the country into "adventures that threaten national security and unity"—a message believed to be aimed at the Iranian-backed Hezbollah armed forces.

The African Union (AU) also called for restraint and urgent de-escalation of tensions. The Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, urged "restraint, urgent de-escalation, and the continuation of dialogue."

He warned that the risk of escalation could increase global instability, negatively impacting energy markets, food security, and economic resilience, particularly in Africa—where many countries are already facing conflict and economic pressure.

Meanwhile, Australia affirmed its support for US action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Ukraine condemned the Tehran regime, blaming the current escalation on the Iranian government, while affirming Kyiv's solidarity with the Iranian people and reiterating its call for a change of government.

Faced with increased security threats, several Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, closed their airspace after recording explosions in several cities in the region.

Numerous international airlines, such as Wizz Air, Lufthansa, KLM, and Oman Air, announced the suspension or cancellation of flights to and from Israel, Iran, and other Middle Eastern hotspots.

Israel canceled all civilian flights and closed its airspace.