The Iranian government has downplayed the severity of U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, even as it warned of “everlasting consequences” and accused Washington of violating international law.
The airstrikes, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump in the early hours of Sunday, targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, signaling a major escalation in the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s No. 1 state sponsor of terror,” Trump declared following the assault, which saw multiple warplanes strike Iran’s most sensitive atomic installations.
In response, Iranian officials told Mehr News Agency that critical uranium stockpiles previously held at the Fordow facility had been relocated before the strike occurred. Iran added that the damage was limited and claimed the facilities were not operational at the time of the attack.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation leaks or off-site radiation spikes had been detected at any of the targeted locations, underscoring the Iranian assertion that the sites were not fully active.
Despite Iran’s attempt to present a composed front, its foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strike as reckless and unlawful.
“The world must not forget that it was the United States that, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy,” the ministry said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi went further in a strongly worded message on social media, accusing Washington of a “grave violation” of international agreements and warning of severe repercussions.
“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,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“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.”
He added that Iran would exercise its right to self-defense, saying:
“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.”
Okay.ng reports that global leaders have urged Tehran to show restraint and re-engage in diplomatic negotiations. Iran, however, insists it has never left the negotiating table.
