Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning that the attacks would carry “everlasting consequences” and constituted a clear breach of international law.
In his first public response since the strikes, Araghchi accused Washington — a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council — of violating the UN Charter, international law, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by targeting what he described as Iran’s “peaceful nuclear installations.”
“The United States has committed a grave violation by launching an assault on our sovereign, civilian nuclear infrastructure,” Araghchi said in a social media post. “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences.”
He called on the international community to take urgent notice of what he termed as “dangerous, lawless, and criminal behaviour” by a leading world power.
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 NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting…
“Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous act,” he added, warning that Iran reserves the right to defend itself under international law.
“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”
The remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier on Sunday that American forces, in coordination with Israel, had carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iran has confirmed the attacks but downplayed the extent of the damage.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes, a position long disputed by the United States and its allies. The latest military escalation has deepened fears of a broader conflict in the already volatile Middle East.
Diplomatic observers have warned that the strikes could derail any remaining prospects for negotiation between Tehran and Washington, especially with growing calls within Iran for a strong retaliatory response.
