How the world reacted as U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran enters 100th day
Priyanka Shankar
The U.S.-Israel war against Iran marks 100 days, triggering a global energy crisis and worsening economic prospects. Nations from the Gulf to Southeast Asia have responded with varied stances, ranging from mediation and condemnation to active backing. The conflict has drawn in regional powers, disrupted oil routes, and reshaped geopolitical alignments.
June 6 marks 100 days since the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran — a conflict that has shaken energy markets and darkened the global economic outlook. Iran has called it an 'unprovoked act of aggression,' while a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, established on April 8, has been undermined by continued Israeli strikes that have killed more than 3,000 people.
The Gulf:
Gulf states were drawn into the vortex of conflict from the very first day, as Iran fired missiles and drones at U.S. military bases on their soil. However, many countries accuse Tehran of also targeting civilian sites, including airports and energy facilities.
- Oman: A key mediator in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, Oman expressed disappointment at the outbreak of war. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated the conflict serves neither U.S. interests nor world peace. Though it hosts no U.S. troops, Oman was drawn into the war: the port of Duqm was attacked by two drones on March 1, a fuel storage tank was hit two days later, the port of Salalah was attacked at least twice, and two foreigners were killed in a drone strike in the Sohar province on March 13. Oman denies Iran was behind the attacks. In a March op-ed, Albusaidi criticized the U.S. for a 'loss of foreign policy control,' accusing Israel of persuading the Trump administration to go to war. In May, Trump threatened to use force against Oman if it interfered in the Strait of Hormuz dispute.
- Qatar: Strongly condemned Iranian strikes on territory hosting Al Udeid air base. Qatar expelled several Iranian military and diplomatic personnel after an attack on a liquefied natural gas facility at Ras Laffan. Doha called for de-escalation, dialogue, and backed Pakistan's mediation role.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE Defense Ministry denounced Iranian attacks as 'dangerous and cowardly acts.' According to the Wall Street Journal, the UAE has conducted dozens of airstrikes against Iran in coordination with the U.S. and Israel. The UAE also intensified crackdowns on Iranian nationals and businesses on its soil. In response, Iran warned of stronger retaliation if the U.S. and Israel resume operations.
- Bahrain: Home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, called attacks on its territory 'treason.' Bahrain actively lobbied the U.N. Security Council, but a resolution it proposed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was vetoed by Russia and China in May.
- Kuwait: Denounced Iranian strikes as a 'blatant violation' of international law and has endured repeated drone attacks. Kuwait blames Iran; Iran says it only targeted U.S. interests there.
- Saudi Arabia: Strongly condemned Iranian strikes on Gulf states while also blockading the Strait of Hormuz. Riyadh can still export oil via Red Sea ports. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia has conducted multiple secret strikes on Iran in retaliation.
Iraq: Condemned U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran but tries to keep its territory neutral. Iraq has become a battleground between Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces and the U.S. The Oil Ministry declared force majeure on all oil fields developed by foreign companies due to disrupted transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Kurdish groups in northern Iraq also came under Iranian attack.
Turkey: Called on all parties to end the spiral of violence, starting with U.S. and Israeli strikes. In May, an Iranian ballistic missile entering Turkish airspace was shot down by a NATO air defense system. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan protested to his Iranian counterpart in a phone call.
Jordan: Has suffered missile and drone strikes from Iran targeting U.S. bases on its soil. Jordan calls for a ceasefire and demands Israel end the war in Lebanon.
Egypt: Expressed deep concern and called for a diplomatic resolution. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told Trump directly: 'No one can stop war in the Gulf region except you.'
African Union: Condemned attacks on Gulf states and called for de-escalation. The body voiced concern over the war's impact on rising food and fuel prices across Africa, which imports over 70% of its refined fuel.
South Asia:
- India: Urged all sides to exercise 'restraint' and 'avoid escalation.' New Delhi condemned Iranian strikes on Gulf states but not the U.S.-Israeli campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel just days before the war. India has been severely affected by the energy crisis, prompting Modi to urge citizens to work from home, avoid foreign travel, and refrain from buying gold.
- Pakistan: Strongly condemned attacks on Iran and quickly assumed a key mediation role. Pakistan brokered the April 8 ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, and hosted high-level talks, including a meeting between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 11 in Islamabad.
- Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: Bangladesh called for an end to hostilities, while Sri Lanka sought to maintain neutrality. Sri Lanka refused a U.S. request to allow two fighter jets to land at a civilian airport, and also rescued Iranian crew members from two sunken warships.
China: Called for an 'immediate cessation of military actions' and 'respect for Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.' Beijing has played a quieter role, promoting phone calls and meetings. Along with Russia, China vetoed a Bahrain-proposed Security Council resolution to 'coordinate defensive measures to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.'
Russia: Accused the U.S. of using nuclear talks to mask a military campaign. President Vladimir Putin pledged Moscow as a steadfast ally of Tehran. Russia offered to take custody of Iran's high-grade enriched uranium as part of a peace deal with the U.S.
ASEAN: Southeast Asian nations called for an end to hostilities and voiced concern over economic fallout. At a May summit in the Philippines, leaders agreed to develop a regional power grid and fuel reserves to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern energy imports.
Japan: Expressed deep concern over economic and geopolitical consequences. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the closure of the Strait of Hormuz a 'tremendous impact' on the Indo-Pacific region. She spoke by phone with Iran's president, urging a reopening of the strait.
Europe: The President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council called for 'maximum restraint, civilian protection and respect for international law.' The leaders of France, Germany and the U.K. condemned Iranian attacks. France demanded an emergency Security Council meeting. The U.K. convened foreign ministers from 40 nations to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, excluding the U.S. European nations refused to join the war or provide military intervention, angering President Trump.
North America: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed support for Israel and the U.S., saying Canada stands with the Iranian people and does not rule out military participation.
