PICTURE: AFP
ISTANBUL: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a strong warning to the United States following an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, declaring that Washington has “crossed a major red line” and that Tehran reserves the right to respond.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul, Araghchi said, “The U.S. will bear full responsibility for the consequences of its aggression. Under international law, Iran has the right to respond, and we will respond. Wait for our answer.”
He emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are on high alert and that the country will use “all options” to defend its sovereignty, national interests, and people.
Araghchi called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, stating that although the U.S. is a permanent member, it has itself endangered global peace. “The world must not forget that it was the U.S. which struck during ongoing peace talks, effectively killing diplomacy,” he said. “The doors to diplomacy must always remain open—but now is not the time. Calling on Iran to return to diplomacy is irrelevant at this moment.”
He accused President Trump of betraying not only Iran but also the American people. “Trump won the presidency on the promise of avoiding wars, particularly in the Middle East. Yet, here we are,” said Araghchi.
He called the attack on nuclear facilities an “unforgivable violation of international law” and questioned the rationale behind the strike, calling the accusations against Iran “fabricated and baseless.”
“The international community must condemn these U.S. attacks,” he added.
Araghchi also revealed that he would be traveling to Russia later today for consultations with President Vladimir Putin. “Russia is a friend of Iran, and we will hold serious discussions tomorrow in Moscow,” he said.
He further mentioned that Iran had been preparing a joint ceasefire resolution with China at the UN Security Council, but the situation had now changed, and new strategic decisions must be made.
Finally, he called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to hold an emergency session and conduct an immediate investigation into the incident.
