Iran Condemns US Airstrikes, Threatens Retaliation and Requests Urgent UN Security Council Meeting
In a strongly worded statement, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghtschi, condemned the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing the attacks as a severe violation of the UN Charter, international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The minister characterized the events as “outrageous” and warned of “lasting consequences.” Iran reserved the right to defend its sovereignty, interests and people, leaving open the possibility of a wide range of responses.
The Iranian government has also requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, citing the “deliberate, planned and unprovoked” nature of the US attacks. In a letter to the UN, Iran accused the US of “brutal and criminal actions” and called on the Security Council to convene an emergency session immediately.
In response to the US airstrikes, Iran launched a new wave of rocket attacks on Israel on Sunday, with reports indicating that Iranian rockets hit northern and central Israel, including the cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv. Israel, in turn, launched a new wave of attacks on “military targets in western Iran” early on Monday, according to the Israeli military.