Iran Accuses U.S. of Launching “Dangerous War” After Strikes on Nuclear Sites

Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a scathing statement on Sunday condemning the United States for launching what it described as a “dangerous war” against the Islamic Republic after American airstrikes targeted three of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz.

What they’re saying:

According to Tasnim News Agency, the Iranian Foreign Ministry called the strikes a “brutal US military aggression” and blamed Washington for violating international law and the UN Charter.

In the statement, Tehran asserted:

• The U.S. had committed a “major crime” by attacking peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight.
• America’s actions constituted “criminal collaboration” with what it called the “genocidal Zionist regime.”
• The attack violated UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and undermined global nuclear non-proliferation norms.
• The UN, IAEA, and international community were urged to convene emergency sessions and condemn the assault.

Why it matters:

This marks one of the most direct confrontations between the U.S. and Iran in years, potentially escalating an already volatile situation in the Middle East. The strikes, confirmed by President Donald Trump on Friday as “massively successful,” destroyed nuclear enrichment infrastructure Iran claims was peaceful.

Driving the news:

Iran’s response comes after the U.S. launched precision airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, with President Trump declaring the mission a “spectacular military success.” Iranian officials, however, see the move as unlawful aggression and say it has triggered a right to retaliate under international law.

What’s next:

Tehran has called on the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to convene emergency sessions. Iranian leaders have stated they reserve “the right to respond with full force” and have warned of “everlasting consequences” if their sovereignty continues to be violated.

Zoom in: Araghchi reacts on X

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was the first top Iranian official to comment publicly on the U.S. attacks. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi said:

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…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025

Araghchi warned that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people” in accordance with international law.