BRITAIN
The British Government said it was informed in advance about the US missile strikes, and firmly supports the American action. Prime Minister Theresa May’s office called it “an appropriate response to the barbaric chemical weapons attack launched by the Syrian regime,” saying it was “intended to deter further attacks.”
FRANCE
French President Francois Hollande said the strikes were a response to the chemical attack, and planned an emergency defence meeting to discuss next steps in Syria. France has long called for Assad’s departure, but French diplomats have pushed this week for resumed peace talks instead of international intervention. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the US bombing was a warning to Assad’s allies Russia and Iran.
ITAlY
Italy said the US strikes on Syria were “proportionate” given the “war crimes” committed by the Assad Government in using chemical weapons against its own people. It said the US strikes would deter future chemical attacks. The country’s largest opposition group, the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, condemned the US attack and demanded Italy not get drawn in. The Opposition Center-right Northern league party called the strikes a “gift to ISIS.”
TURKEY
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu expressed Turkey’s support for the US strike. “This regime must be removed from leading Syria as soon as possible and the best way to do that is by starting the transitional process,” he said. Pointing to Assad’s “continuing crimes against humanity,” he also warned of further refugee flows from the conflict.
IRAN
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US strike was “dangerous, destructive and violates the principles of international law,” adding that it would “not only complicate the situation in Syria but in the entire region.” Allaeddin Boroujerdi, the head of a parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, said “Russia and Iran won’t be quiet against such acts.”
ISRAEl
President Reuven Rivlin said the US strike on Syria was an “appropriate response” to the “unthinkable brutality” of the chemical attack. He said the U.S. “serves as an example to the entire free world” in supporting steps to end atrocities in Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor lieberman also welcomed the strikes.
NATO
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says “the Syrian regime bears the full responsibility” for the US missile strike. The US-led military alliance “has consistently condemned Syria’s continued use of chemical weapons as a clear breach of international norms and agreements.”
SYRIAN REBElS
Jamil al-Saleh, a rebel commander in the central Hama province, called for more strikes, saying “Bashar’s regime only understands force.” He said he hoped the missile attack “is a turning point and not a passing thing.” The Syrian Coalition, an opposition group, said the US attack puts an end to an age of “impunity” and should herald the start of a larger campaign.
CHEMICAl ATTACK VICTIMS
The victims of chemical attack welcomed the strike but feared it would be a one-off. Alaa Alyousef, a 27-year-old survivor, called for a no-fly zone to protect civilians. Khaled al-Khaled, whose 16-year-old son is struggling to recover from the attack, said he rejects foreign intervention, but “the regime has forced us to join hands with enemies... No one is supporting the Syrian people. Only God is on our side.”
SAUDI ARABIA
A foreign ministry official praised “the courageous decision by US President Donald Trump to respond to the (Syrian) regime’s crimes against its people in light of the failure of the international community to stop the regime from brutalising its people.” Saudi Arabia is a leading supporter of the rebels fighting to overthrow Assad.
OTHER GUlF COUNTRIES
The United Arab Emirates, which hosts some 4,000 American troops, said the US had its “full support” and praised Trump’s “courageous and wise decision.” The tiny island nation of Bahrain said the US strike on Syria was “needed to stop the bloodshed” in that country’s war. That island kingdom hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Both Governments long have been suspicious of Iran and its regional influence, and both have opposed Assad.