Following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, overseen by President Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave a scathing response Sunday. Araghchi cautioned that the repercussions would be “everlasting,” “dangerous,” and “far-reaching,” describing the strikes as an “egregious act of aggression and heinous crime.”
Araghchi’s response was delivered both in a speech at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, and through online posts.
Araghchi stated that the “warmongering and lawless Administration in Washington” bears full responsibility for the “dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications” of its actions. He accused the U.S. of military aggression against a U.N. member state in collaboration with Israel, exposing the “depth of depravity” in American foreign policy and the hostility of the U.S. establishment towards Iran.
The Iranian politician requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, citing a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231. He warned that inaction would worsen the situation, stating that “Silence in the face of such blatant aggression would plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also denounced the Trump-ordered strikes, calling the U.S. the “primary instigator.”
Pezeshkian asserted that “This aggression showed that the United States is the primary instigator of the Zionist regime’s hostile actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He added that despite initial denials, the U.S. was forced to intervene after Iran’s “decisive and deterrent response” and Israel’s “clear incapacity.”
Pezeshkian called for public unity in response to the attacks from Israel and the U.S.
Prior to the initial Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets on June 13, prompted by concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Iran and the U.S. were engaged in nuclear deal talks. These talks have been suspended due to the conflict, with their resumption uncertain. Araghchi stated that diplomacy is no longer an option after the U.S. military action: “They crossed a very big red line by attacking nuclear facilities… We have to respond based on our legitimate right for self-defense,” he said.
Araghchi’s warnings at the council meeting echoed his initial social media reaction.
He described the day’s events as “outrageous” with “everlasting consequences,” urging U.N. members to be alarmed by the “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.” He asserted Iran’s right to self-defense under the U.N. Charter, reserving “all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”
Trump described the U.S. attack on the Iranian nuclear sites as “very successful.” The U.S. used B-2 stealth bombers to target sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
Trump announced that “A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
Trump, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stated that the U.S. bombers had “totally obliterated” the nuclear sites, calling the mission “a spectacular military success.”
Trump urged Iran to pursue peace, warning of further swift and precise action against other targets if they did not.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Secretary Hegseth provided additional information about the strikes from the Pentagon Sunday morning.
Hegseth expressed hope that the attack on Fordow had “achieved destruction of capabilities.” Gen. Caine clarified that it was “way too early” to determine if Iran still possesses nuclear capabilities, as investigations continue.
They also stated that the U.S. is taking “proactive” steps to protect U.S. troops in the Middle East.
The U.S. strikes mark a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, with the U.S. now directly involved in military operations to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
As the world awaits Iran’s response, Trump warned the country against retaliation, stating that “Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.” Hegseth reinforced this, saying an attack on American forces by Iran or its proxies “would be a very bad idea.”
Meanwhile, Israel and Iran continue exchanging missiles 10 days into their active conflict. Israel reported a fresh wave of Iranian missiles following the U.S. strikes.
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