Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow as a “brutal act of aggression,” warning that Tehran will respond in accordance with its right to self-defence under international law.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul after the attack, where he is attending a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Araghchi described the strikes as an “unprecedented violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
“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.”
No room for diplomacy
Araghchi ruled out any immediate return to diplomatic negotiations, stating that Iran had been actively engaged in talks with both the United States and European powers when the strikes were launched.
“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.”
US will be held responsible
Calling the US administration “warmongering and lawless,” Araghchi said it would be “solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences” of its actions.
“The attack shows how far the US is willing to go to sabotage peace and security in the region,” he said. “Iran has done nothing wrong. Our nuclear programme remains peaceful and in line with international agreements.”
Appeal to world
Araghchi urged the international community to take a firm stand against Washington’s actions, warning that failure to do so would undermine the foundations of international law.
“It is the duty of all nations to condemn these strikes. If such aggression goes unchecked, there will be nothing left of the rules-based global order,” he warned.
He also criticised the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its silence following the strikes, saying its indifference undermined its credibility.
Iranian FM to meet Putin
Araghchi said he had held “productive discussions” with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other regional leaders regarding possible mediation efforts to halt further Israeli attacks.
“I also plan to travel to Moscow today for consultations with President Vladimir Putin,” he said. “Iran and Russia share a strategic partnership, and we will coordinate our next steps.”
Concluding the press conference, Araghchi said Iran would not tolerate repeated violations of its sovereignty.
“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.
