Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has strongly condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, declaring them a violation of international law and a crossing of Iran’s “final red line.”
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Araqchi said that Iran reserves the right to retaliate in self-defence and warned that the US will be held responsible for the consequences.
He criticised Washington for launching attacks during ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying, “Diplomacy should always remain open, but the US chose aggression in the middle of talks.”
Araqchi called on the international community to prevent further escalation, urging the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session.
Araqchi announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, calling Russia a “trusted friend” and requesting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to investigate the U.S. attacks.
He accused President Trump of betraying both Iran and the American people by launching the strike and said the assault on peaceful nuclear sites was “unforgivable.” Araqchi also condemned Israel’s role, describing it as a genocidal regime with malicious intent.
Iran, he emphasized, would not compromise on its sovereignty, national interests, or independence, and retains all options to respond. “It is clear now,” he said, “that the U.S. and Israel only understand the language of force.”
Araqchi further stated that Iran is still assessing the damage caused by the strikes and demanded that the United Nations and the IAEA hold the US accountable for its “criminal act.”
IRAN LAUNCHES MAJOR MISSILE BARRAGE ON ISRAEL IN RETALIATION
Iran has launched a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel early Sunday morning in retaliation for recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, leaving several people injured and causing widespread damage.
According to Arab media, air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Haifa, prompting the activation of the country’s air defense systems. Explosions were reportedly heard in multiple Israeli cities, and Iranian missiles were confirmed to have struck various locations in Haifa.
Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes in response to U.S. attacks on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. The IRGC stated that 14 strategic Israeli targets were hit in Tel Aviv and Haifa, including military software offices, power plants, an airbase, the Israeli Cyber Command, and the headquarters of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
IRAN VOWS TO RESIST US ATTACKS WITH ‘ALL FORCE’
Iran’s foreign ministry has issued a statement slamming the US’ latest strikes on its nuclear facilities as a “grave and unprecedented violation” of international law and saying it has the right to resist such “aggression”.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend Iran’s territory, sovereignty, security and people by all force and means against the United States’ criminal aggression,” according to a post on X.
The foreign ministry noted that as a founding member of the UN, Iran calls on the organisation and its member states to “fulfill their responsibilities in the face of the United States’ blatant unlawful unilateral acts against Iran.”
“Silence in the face of such blatant aggression would plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos,” the statement added.
RUSSIA STRONGLY CONDEMNS US ATTACKS ON IRAN, FOREIGN MINISTRY SAYS
Russia’s foreign ministry said Russia strongly condemned U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites.
“The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks, whatever the arguments it may be presented with, flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
“We call for an end to aggression and for increased efforts to create conditions for returning the situation to a political and diplomatic track,” it said.
EU CHIEF SAYS NEGOTIATING TABLE ONLY PLACE TO END MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that the negotiating table was the only place to end the crisis in the Middle East, while adding that Iran must under no circumstances acquire nuclear weapons.
“Iran must never acquire the bomb,” von der Leyen wrote in a post on X.
“With tensions in the Middle East at a new peak, stability must be the priority. And respect for international law is critical,” she said.
“Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution. The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” she added.
SAUDI ARABIA EXPRESSES CONCERN AFTER US ATTACKS ON IRAN NUCLEAR SITES
Saudi Arabia expressed on Sunday its “great concern” following US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.
The kingdom called on the international community to boost efforts in such ‘highly sensitive circumstances’ to reach a political solution to end the crisis.
PAKISTAN CONDEMNS US ATTACKS ON IRAN
Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them a clear violation of international law.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said Iran has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter. It expressed deep concern over rising regional tensions and violence, urging that the protection of civilian lives and property must be ensured.
The spokesperson emphasized that escalating conflict could have serious regional and global repercussions.
TURKIYE SAYS US STRIKES ON IRAN RAISE RISK OF WIDER CONFLICT, INSTABILITY
US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have raised the risk of the regional conflict spreading globally, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, adding that Ankara was deeply concerned about possible repercussions following the attacks.
In a statement, the ministry said that a spread of the conflict into a wider global war must not be allowed, calling on all parties to act with responsibility and end attacks immediately.
It said only negotiations could resolve the nuclear dispute between Tehran and Washington.
QATAR WARNS OF ‘CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES’ AFTER US STRIKES ON IRAN
Qatar, host of the biggest US military base in the Middle East, has said it fears serious repercussions after US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, AFP reports.
The foreign ministry “warns that the current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels”, a statement said.
“It calls on all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation.”
IAEA CALLS EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said he was calling an emergency meeting of his agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors after the United States said it carried out military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Reuters reports.
“In light of the urgent situation in Iran, I am convening an emergency meeting of the (International Atomic Energy Agency) Board of Governors for tomorrow,” IAEA chief Grossi said on X.
IRAN SAYS NO RADIATION OUTSIDE THE DAMAGED FACILITIES
The head of Iran’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority Mohammadreza Kardan told state media: “Plans were made in advance, and measures had been taken to protect the safety and health of our people.”
“Despite this morning’s attacks on nuclear facilities, no radiation contamination or radiation was observed outside these facilities as a result of our pre-planned measures. People can continue their normal lives in the areas around these sites without any worries.”
BAHRAIN, KUWAIT PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE IRAN CONFLICT SPREAD
Bahrain and Kuwait, home to U.S. bases, made preparations on Sunday for the possibility the Iran conflict might spread to their territory.
Bahrain urged drivers to avoid main roads and Kuwait establishing shelters in a ministries complex after U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Tehran had previously warned if it was attacked by the United States, it could target American assets in the region, including U.S. military bases.
Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet and there are several U.S. bases in Ku