Iran foreign minister says US attacks on nuclear sites ‘outrageous'
TEHRAN: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned US attacks on key nuclear sites as 'outrageous' and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty.
'The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' he posted on X, adding that the attacks were 'lawless and criminal' behaviour.
'In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.'
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Global reaction to US attack on Iran's nuclear sites
US forces attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, prompting a wide range of international reactions — from Israel praising President Donald Trump's decision, to the United Nations urging de-escalation, while Iran and several other nations strongly condemned the strikes. Pakistan condemns US strikes on Iran Pakistan condemned the United States for launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the move a violation of international law and warning it could further destabilise the region. 🔊PR No.1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025 The US attacks come on the 10th day of the Israel-Iran war, sparked by Israel's wave of strikes in Iran on June 13th, escalating fears of broader regional escalation. Islamabad expressed grave concern over the rising tensions and urged all parties to refrain from further aggression. Read: Netanyahu seeks support for Iran strikes as Trump mulls US attack 'within two weeks' 'These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. Terming the situation 'deeply disturbing,' the statement warned that the 'unprecedented escalation of violence' could have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East. Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Every member of the UN must be alarmed by this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. Following the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history... History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons." Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris: "Now [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei must go. The Iranian people welcome the end of the war and are calling for peace and freedom." "Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, beyond the loss of countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least $2 trillion — and now, it has all gone up in smoke." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: "Iran must never acquire the bomb." "With tensions in the Middle East reaching a new peak, stability must be the priority. Respect for international law is essential." "This is the time for Iran to commit to a credible diplomatic path. The negotiating table is the only route to resolve this crisis." Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council: "Trump, who entered office branding himself a peacemaker, has now launched a new war for the United States." "With this kind of outcome, Trump will not be winning the Nobel Peace Prize." French FM Jean-Noël Barrot, on X: "France remains convinced that a lasting resolution to this issue requires a negotiated settlement within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty." British PM Keir Starmer: "Iran's nuclear programme poses a serious threat to international security. Iran must never be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon, and the United States has taken action to address that threat. The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and regional stability is of utmost importance. We urge Iran to return to the negotiating table and pursue a diplomatic solution to end this crisis." UN Secretary-General António Guterres: "This marks a dangerous escalation in a region already on the brink—and represents a direct threat to international peace and security. The risk that this conflict could spiral out of control is growing, with potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I urge Member States to de-escalate and uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and international law." United Arab Emirates FM, via state news agency: The United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the ongoing regional tensions and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. It called for an immediate halt to the escalation to prevent dangerous repercussions and a descent into further instability. The Ministry urged the United Nations and the Security Council to take responsibility by working actively to resolve longstanding regional issues, which it said now pose an increasing threat to both regional and global security and stability. Qatari FM, on X: The State of Qatar expressed regret over the worsening situation following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities and said it is closely monitoring developments with deep concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the current levels of tension in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels. Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, to reporters: "It is vital that there is a swift de-escalation of the conflict. We are monitoring the situation closely and with serious concern." Italian FM Antonia Tajani, on state broadcaster Rai: "We now hope that, following this attack—which caused substantial damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region—de-escalation can begin, and Iran can return to the negotiating table." New Zealand FM Winston Peters: "We acknowledge the developments over the past 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. The continuation of military action in the Middle East is deeply troubling. It is essential to avoid further escalation. New Zealand strongly supports diplomatic efforts and urges all parties to return to the negotiating table. Diplomacy offers a more lasting solution than continued military engagement." Australian Government Spokesperson, in a statement: "We have consistently stated that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes pose a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region remains highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy." Mexican FM, on X: The Ministry urgently called for diplomatic dialogue to promote peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In line with Mexico's constitutional principles of foreign policy and its long-standing pacifist stance, it reiterated its appeal for a de-escalation of tensions in the region. Venezuelan FM Yvan Gil, on Telegram: "Venezuela condemns the US military aggression against Iran and demands the immediate cessation of hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly and unequivocally condemns the airstrikes carried out by US forces on nuclear facilities in Iran." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel: "We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, which represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. This act of aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law, and thrusts humanity into a crisis with potentially irreversible consequences."
Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Iran FM says to meet Russia's Putin on Monday for talks
ISTANBUL: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that he would travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday following the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran foreign minister says US attacks on nuclear sites 'outrageous' 'I'm going to Moscow this afternoon' and will hold 'serious consultations with the Russian president tomorrow' morning, Araghchi said at a press conference in Istanbul on the sidelines of an OIC summit.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations
The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna, Austria. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a US military strike on its nuclear facilities, calling the action an unprecedented breach of international law and a grave violation of the UN Charter. In a statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran accused the United States of a 'brutal military aggression' against its peaceful nuclear infrastructure. Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of #Iran concerning the #UnitedStates military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the… — Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) June 22, 2025 Tehran held Washington fully responsible for what it called a 'heinous crime' and warned of 'dangerous consequences' stemming from the attack. The strike, which took place in the early hours of the 10th day of Israel's military campaign against Iran, was described by Tehran as a joint effort between the US and Israel to wage war against the Iranian people. The Foreign Ministry said the attack violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force, and breached UN Security Council Resolution 2231. 'This act of aggression has exposed the criminal complicity between the United States and the Zionist regime,' the statement read, adding that the attack undermines global non-proliferation efforts. Iran called on the United Nations, including Secretary-General António Guterres and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to respond swiftly. Tehran urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session and to hold Washington accountable for what it described as an 'egregious violation' of international norms. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend its sovereignty, territory, security, and people by all means,' the ministry said, adding that silence in the face of such aggression would plunge the international community into chaos. The statement also criticised the IAEA and its Director General for what it described as biased conduct, alleging that the Agency's stance had paved the way for the escalation. Reiterating its position as a founding UN member, Iran appealed to the global community to reject what it characterised as unlawful, unilateral aggression by the United States. Tehran warned that failure to act would embolden further violations of international law. Statement from ICRC president The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that the world 'cannot absorb limitless war' amid escalating military operations in the Middle East, urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. In a statement, the ICRC called for the protection of civilians and safe access for medical personnel and first responders, including those with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom. The organisation said it is scaling up operations in both Iran and Israel but stressed that humanitarian aid cannot replace the political will needed to pursue peace and safeguard human life. Trump enters Iran conflict US President Donald Trump has, in an unprecedented move, joined Israel's airstrike on Iran's nuclear sites intervening militarily in a major foreign war he had long vowed to avoid. The US attack, including the targeting of Iran's most heavily fortified nuclear installation deep underground, marks the biggest foreign policy gamble of Trump's two presidencies and one fraught with risks and unknowns. Trump, who insisted on Saturday that Iran must now make peace or face further attacks, could provoke Tehran into retaliating by closing the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery, attacking US military bases and allies in the Middle East, stepping up its missile barrage on Israel and activating proxy groups against American and Israeli interests worldwide, analysts said. Such moves could escalate into a broader, more protracted conflict than Trump had envisioned, evoking echoes of the 'forever wars' that America fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he had derided as 'stupid' and promised never to be dragged into. 'The Iranians are seriously weakened and degraded in their military capabilities,' said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for Democratic and Republican administrations. 'But they have all sorts of asymmetric ways that they can respond... This is not going to end quick.' In the lead-up to the bombing that he announced late on Saturday, Trump had vacillated between threats of military action and appeals for renewed negotiation to persuade Iran to reach a deal to dismantle its nuclear program. A senior White House official said that once Trump was convinced that Tehran had no interest in reaching a nuclear agreement, he decided the strikes were 'the right thing to do.' Trump gave the go-ahead once he was assured of a 'high probability of success,' the official said – a determination reached after more than a week of Israeli air attacks on Iran's nuclear and military facilities paved the way for the US to deliver the potentially crowning blow. Nuclear threat remains Trump touted the "great success" of the strikes, which he said included the use of massive "bunker-buster bombs" on the main site at Fordow. But some experts suggested that while Iran's nuclear program may have been set back for many years, the threat may be far from over. Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, saying its program is for purely peaceful purposes. 'In the long term, military action is likely to push Iran to determine nuclear weapons are necessary for deterrence and that Washington is not interested in diplomacy,' the Arms Control Association, a non-partisan US-based organization that advocates for arms control legislation, said in a statement. 'Military strikes alone cannot destroy Iran's extensive nuclear knowledge. The strikes will set Iran's program back, but at the cost of strengthening Tehran's resolve to reconstitute its sensitive nuclear activities,' the group said. Eric Lob, assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, said Iran's next move remains an open question and suggested that among its forms of retaliation could be to hit 'soft targets' of the US and Israel inside and outside the region. But he also said there was a possibility that Iran could return to the negotiating table – 'though they would be doing so in an even weaker position' – or seek a diplomatic off-ramp. In the immediate aftermath of the US attacks, however, Iran showed little appetite for concessions. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said it would not allow development of its 'national industry' to be stopped, and an Iranian state television commentator said every US citizen or military member in the region would now be legitimate targets. Early on Sunday, Iran's foreign ministry issued a statement warning that Tehran "considers it its right to resist with all its might against US military aggression." Karim Sadjadpour, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, posted on X: 'Trump indicated this is now the time for peace. It's unclear and unlikely the Iranians will see it the same way. This is more likely to open a new chapter of the 46-year-old US-Iran war than conclude it.' 1/10 The US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities is an unprecedented event that may prove to be transformational for Iran, the Middle East, US foreign policy, global non-proliferation, and potentially even the global order. Its impact will be measured for decades to come. 🧵 — Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) June 22, 2025 'Regime change' Some analysts suggested that Trump, whose administration has previously disavowed any aim of dislodging the Iranian leadership, could be drawn into seeking 'regime change' if Tehran carries out major reprisals or moves to build a nuclear weapon. That, in turn, would bring additional risks. 'Beware mission creep, aiming for regime change and democratization campaigns,' said Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington. 'You'll find the bones of many failed U.S. moral missions buried in Middle East sands.' Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. deputy intelligence officer for the Middle East, said Iran's leadership would quickly engage in 'disproportionate attacks' if it felt its survival was imperiled. But Tehran will also have to be mindful of the consequences, he said. While actions such as closing the Strait of Hormuz would pose problems for Trump with the resulting higher oil prices and potential U.S. inflationary impact, it would also hurt China, one of Iran's few powerful allies. At the same time, Trump is already facing strong push-back from congressional Democrats against the Iran attack and will also have to contend with opposition from the anti-interventionist wing of his Republican MAGA base. Trump, who faced no major international crisis in his first term, is now embroiled in one just six months into his second. Even if he hopes US military involvement can be limited in time and scope, the history of such conflicts often carries unintended consequences for American presidents. Trump's slogan of 'peace through strength' will certainly be tested as never before, especially with his opening of a new military front after failing to meet his campaign promises to quickly end wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 'Trump is back in the war business,' said Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group. 'I am not sure anyone in Moscow, Tehran or Beijing ever believed his spiel that he is a peacemaker. It always looked more like a campaign phrase than a strategy."
