Araghchi: US committed serious violation; Iran will defend sovereignty
3 Min Read
Iranian officials say US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan caused no radiation leaks or serious damage, contradicting Trump’s claims of success.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi listens during a meeting with European and UK counterparts on Tehran’s nuclear program, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2025 (AFP)
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned US attacks on key nuclear sites as "outrageous" and said the country preserved its right to defend sovereignty, promising "everlasting consequences".
Posting on the social media platform X, he stated, "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," adding that the attacks were "lawless and criminal" in behavior, which "each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over."
The foreign minister continued, saying Iran reserves "all options" to defend its sovereignty.
"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," he asserted.
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…
Nuclear attacks show US 'will stop at no illegality or crime' to support 'Israel': Iran MoFA
Iran's Foreign Ministry said the US attacks on Sunday on nuclear facilities showed that Washington "will stop at no illegality or crime" to support "Israel".
"It has now become abundantly clear to all that the very regime which enjoys permanent membership in the Security Council is beholden to no principle or morality and will stop at no illegality or crime to serve the aims of a genocidal, occupying regime," the Ministry said in a statement, referring to the United States and "Israel" respectively.
Trump confirms US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the US carried out a "very successful attack" on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, claiming a full payload was dropped on Fordow and all aircraft returned safely.
Trump praised US forces and declared, “NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
Axios reported that Trump met with his national security team before the strike, and "Israel" was informed in advance. B-2 stealth bombers were reportedly used.
Iran’s National Nuclear Safety System Center stated that radiation monitoring equipment at the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites found no signs of contamination, adding that the situation is fully under control.
Global condemnation
In addition to Aragchi's remarks, the strikes also followed global condemnation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strikes a dangerous escalation threatening global peace, urging all parties to return to diplomacy.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon warned of growing instability, while Japan pledged diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Oman condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of international law, and Saudi Arabia denounced the Israeli role, citing violations of Iranian sovereignty.
China also voiced deep concern, warning of serious regional consequences if escalation continues.
