China condemns US attack on Iran, calls for immediate dialogue

France will hold an emergency defense cabinet meeting Sunday to address regional security following US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, the French presidency announced.

President Emmanuel Macron has spoken with several leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, and will engage in further discussions with European and regional counterparts throughout the day.

The presidency said that France is expediting the evacuation of its citizens who wish to leave Iran and Israel.

France distanced itself from the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, warning against further escalation and reaffirming its opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran.

Paris was not involved in the attacks or their planning, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

“We noted with concern the US strikes carried out against three Iranian nuclear program sites,” Barrot said.

“France has repeatedly expressed its very firm opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons,” he added and called on all sides to avoid steps that “could lead to an extension of the conflict.”

US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites have sharply increased the danger of regional conflict, Turkey’s foreign ministry said Sunday.

"US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have raised risk of conflict spreading, instability rising to highest level," the ministry said.

The United Arab Emirates urged an immediate end to the escalating conflict on Sunday, warning that the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites risk pushing the region into “new levels of instability.”

The UAE Foreign Ministry said the intensifying hostilities could have “serious repercussions” if not swiftly contained.

President Vladimir Putin has no immediate plans to speak with US President Donald Trump following the American strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, the Kremlin said Sunday. However, a call could be swiftly arranged if necessary, according to state news agency TASS.