Middle East tensions leave world divided: Who backs Iran, who backs Israel and what is India's stance

World divided over Iran strikes: Allies, critics, and neutral nations respond

Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, in which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, countries across the world have begun taking clear diplomatic positions, with some backing Tehran, others supporting Israel, and several adopting a neutral stance.

Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US–Israeli strikes, marking a major turning point in the crisis. Following his death, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi was appointed as the jurist member of Iran’s interim Leadership Council, tasked with temporarily carrying out the duties of the supreme leader, according to the state news agency ISNA.

The developments have triggered sharp global reactions. The United States has firmly backed Israel, while countries such as Russia and China have criticised the strikes and expressed support for Iran’s sovereignty. Several other nations, including India and parts of Europe, have called for restraint and de-escalation, maintaining a cautious or neutral position as tensions continue to rise in the region.

Who backed Israel? 

• US: The joint campaign by the US and Israel, referred to as Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion, struck multiple Iranian locations, including Tehran, nuclear facilities, and command infrastructure, resulting in the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.

The US role extended beyond political support. According to multiple reports, American forces provided real‑time intelligence and operational coordination, enabling precise timing and targeting for the strikes.

In addition to intelligence support, US Central Command released video footage of ongoing operations, demonstrating direct involvement by US forces. American warships and fighter jets reportedly participated in the attacks, with cruise missiles and air-launched weapons used alongside Israeli Air Force jets.

These developments show that the US did not merely endorse Israel’s military action against Iran; it actively participated in targeting, intelligence, and operational execution, representing a major escalation in their strategic partnership amid the broader Middle East conflict.

• Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada supports the U.S. "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security".

Countries favouring Iran

• Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Khamenei and members of his family, calling it a "cynical murder" by US and Israeli forces.

"Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," Putin said in an official note issued to his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian.

"In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership," he added.

• China: China’s envoy to the United Nations expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East following the latest military strikes involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

The Chinese representative stressed that all parties must abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and firmly oppose the use or threat of force in international relations. Beijing emphasized that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran must be respected, while voicing sorrow over reported civilian casualties.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all sides to avoid escalation and resume dialogue.

• North Korea: North Korea condemned the US-Israeli strikes as “illegal aggression.”

US-Israeli attacks on Iran are “illegal aggression” ⁠and a ⁠violation of national ⁠sovereignty, ⁠North Korea’s Foreign Ministry ⁠spokesperson has been quoted as saying by state-run Korean ⁠Central News Agency.

The US involvement was “within the range of expectations,” the spokesperson said, calling it an inevitable outcome given the “hegemonic and gangster-like” nature of the US.

The “war of aggression” by the US and Israel ⁠is unacceptable under any circumstances, the statement said.

Countries with a neutral stance

• India: India issued its first official reaction to the fast-degenerating situation in West Asia, expressing deep concern over developments in Iran and the broader Gulf region.

"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

"Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance," the ministry added.

• Pakistan: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned what he described as “unwarranted attacks” on Iran by Israel and the United States, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Dar conveyed this position during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who contacted him following the attacks.

• France: France, which maintains military bases in the Middle East, warned its citizens to exercise extreme caution.

“It’s not the time for negotiations. We are in a situation of war,” said Junior Defence Minister Alice Rufo, comparing the current situation to the 12-day war in June. She added that France’s priority is the protection of its citizens and forces stationed in the region.

• European Union: The European Union described the situation as “perilous.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said efforts were ongoing to pursue a negotiated peace and warned that Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with its support for armed groups, pose a serious threat to global security.

The EU chief added that Khamenei’s death was “a defining moment in Iran’s history.