ISTANBUL: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned the US strikes on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities, warning that Tehran reserves the right to retaliate in self-defence.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Araghchi warned that the US will be held responsible for the consequences.
He described the strikes as an “unprecedented violation of the United Nations Charter and international law” and a crossing of Iran’s “final red line.”
“The United States, in collusion with the genocidal Israeli regime, has launched a military attack on the territorial integrity of a sovereign UN member state,” said Araghchi. “This is a grave and unforgivable violation of international law.”
He denounced the US administration for launching attacks during ongoing diplomatic efforts, adding, “Diplomacy should always remain open, but the US chose aggression in the middle of talks.”
“We were in the middle of diplomacy—negotiations with the Europeans were ongoing in Geneva just two days ago,” he said.
“It is not Iran that walked away from talks. It was the United States that destroyed the diplomatic process. This aggression has shut the door, at least for now.”
“Iran has done nothing wrong. Our nuclear programme remains peaceful and in line with international agreements,” he said.
The Iranian top diplomat called on the international community to prevent further escalation, urging the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session.
Russia a ‘trusted friend’
Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that he will be meeting the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, calling Russia a “trusted friend” and requesting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to investigate the US attacks.
He accused President Trump of betraying both Iran and the American people by ordering the strike, calling the attack on peaceful nuclear facilities “unforgivable.”
Araghchi also denounced Israel’s involvement, referring to it as a genocidal regime driven by malicious intent.
He emphasised, that Iran would not compromise on its sovereignty, national interests, or independence, and retains all options to respond. “It is clear now,” he said, “that the US and Israel only understand the language of force.”
Araghchi added that Iran is continuing to assess the damage caused by the strikes and urged the United Nations and the IAEA to hold the United States accountable for what he described as a “criminal act.”
“The Iranian people are united and firm in their resistance to aggression. We will respond—not with words, but with a firm, measured reaction grounded in international law and our national interest,” he said.
Trump warns of more attacks
President Donald Trump said US air strikes on Sunday had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities, and warned of more attacks to come if Tehran does not seek peace.
In a televised address to the nation from the White House after the United States joined Israel’s air campaign against Tehran, Trump called the US attacks a “spectacular military success.”
Trump had earlier stunned the world by announcing on social media that US aircraft had struck Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment plant, plus the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.
