Iran Slams US Strikes on Nuclear Sites as ‘Criminal Act’, Warns of Severe Consequences

Tehran: The Iranian government on Sunday issued a scathing condemnation of the United States following its airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling the attacks a “flagrant violation” of international law and a direct threat to global stability. In the strongest diplomatic language used in years, Iranian officials warned of “serious and lasting consequences” for what they called an unprovoked act of aggression.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took to social media shortly after the strikes, denouncing the U.S. for targeting what Tehran insists are peaceful nuclear sites. “This criminal behavior by a permanent member of the UN Security Council is not only a breach of the UN Charter but a direct challenge to the international non-proliferation framework,” Araghchi wrote on platform X.

He accused Washington of attempting to destabilize the region while ongoing diplomatic negotiations were still underway. “Iran reserves every right to respond, within the framework of international law, to defend its sovereignty, people, and national interest,” he warned.

The U.S. military operation — ordered by former President Donald Trump — struck three of Iran’s primary nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, deploying bunker-busting bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Trump called the mission a “spectacular success” and warned Iran to cease further escalation or risk more strikes.

In a formal statement later released by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the airstrikes were described as “an unprecedented and illegal assault” on the country’s sovereign territory. Iran called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council and urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to investigate what it termed “a deliberate act of war.”

“The United States has not only breached Article 2(4) of the UN Charter but also trampled upon Resolution 2231, which supports the Iran nuclear agreement,” the ministry stated, accusing the IAEA of being complicit through its “biased silence.”

Officials further alleged that the timing of the strikes — amid fragile diplomatic talks — was aimed at derailing any possibility of renewed negotiations. Tehran warned that any complacency from the global community would open the door to “an age of impunity” in international relations.

Araghchi, backed by Iran’s National Security Council, reiterated that Iran’s strategic patience had limits. “We are not looking for war, but we will not hesitate to exercise our right to defend our nation with full force,” he said.