US bombing of nuclear sites will have ‘everlasting consequences’, warns Iran

New Delhi: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday sharply condemned the United States for what he described as a “grave violation” of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) after American forces, acting in coordination with Israel, carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

The attack, which targeted Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites late Saturday, was announced by President Donald Trump as a “very successful attack” and marked a major escalation in the region’s ongoing tensions. Trump said the operation, involving US B-2 bombers and bunker-buster munitions, had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear facilities. He described the mission as a close collaboration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that only the US military could have carried out such a strike.

In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Araghchi accused the United States of targeting Iran’s “peaceful nuclear installations” and warned of “everlasting consequences.” He also asserted Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

“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.

The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.

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,” Araghchi wrote.

The American attack follows a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian targets reported on June 21, 2025, as both nations intensify efforts to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. The United States said the strikes were designed to neutralize what it called a longstanding threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program. However, Iran has maintained that its facilities were intended for peaceful purposes and insists the attack violates international agreements.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that the targeted facilities contained no nuclear material at the time of the strikes, ruling out immediate radioactive risks.

The situation has further raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with Iran warning of a forceful response and reiterating its right to defend its sovereignty under international law.