Middle East: Iran Asserts Right to Defend Sovereignty, Demands UN Action Over U.S. Strike on Nuclear Facilities

ISTANBUL, June 16 — Iran has declared its intention to respond appropriately to what it calls a grave violation of its territorial sovereignty, following a U.S. military strike on its nuclear facilities on Saturday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Istanbul on Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said the Islamic Republic is evaluating its options and will act in defense of its territory, security, and people.

“Iran has the right to protect its territorial sovereignty and will react appropriately after appraising the situation.

“This was not only an act of aggression, it was a calculated attack on a peaceful, internationally supervised program,” the Minister aserted.

The Foreign Minister said the strike, carried out “in collusion with the genocidal Israeli regime,” targeted nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the brutal and unlawful military aggression of the United States against Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.

“It is a shocking violation of the United Nations Charter and international law,” he said.

Calling for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, the Minister urged global bodies to hold Washington accountable.

“Silence in the face of such aggression will plunge the world into unprecedented danger and chaos.

“We remind the United Nations, the IAEA, and all relevant institutions of their responsibility to act decisively,” he warned.

Araghchi accused the U.S. of undermining years of diplomatic progress and weakening the global non-proliferation regime, saying, “The United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, has delivered a devastating blow to global nuclear governance.

“It betrayed diplomacy and sided with aggression. The responsibility for the consequences of this act lies entirely with the administration in Washington.”

He also criticized the IAEA Director General for what he described as “failing to protect the Agency’s neutrality.

“By sharing intelligence with warmongering parties, the IAEA paved the way for this attack. The Board of Governors must convene and uphold the Agency’s legal and moral responsibilities,” he claimed.

He, however, reaffirmed Iran’s position on the situation, saying, “This is not a time for appeasement. We will defend our nation within the framework of international law. The people of Iran will never compromise their independence or sovereignty.”

Asked whether diplomatic doors remain open, the Minister said, “Of course, diplomacy should always remain an option, but not when our territory is under attack.”

He revealed ongoing contacts with Tehran but declined to specify the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing instead the legal and symbolic implications of the strike.

“It wasn’t just a facility that was bombed. The United Nations Charter was bombed,” he affirmed.

Regarding regional mediation, he acknowledged productive discussions with President Erdogan and other regional leaders, noting Turkey’s readiness to facilitate dialogue.

“Countries like Turkey are keen to play a role to end Israeli aggression and prevent further U.S. escalation,” he said.

On future negotiations, he was clear, noting, “We were in the middle of talks with the U.S. and Europeans when they chose war over diplomacy. They must be held accountable.”

When asked about threats from President Trump of further U.S. action, the Minister said, “This is not just about Iran. The international community must respond to such threats.”

Touching on Iran’s relations with Russia, he confirmed he would meet President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, highlighting the strategic partnership and shared concerns.

He, however, sounded a note of warning, saying, “The U.S. has crossed red lines that threaten global peace. Iran will defend its sovereignty, and our people are united in resistance.”

The international community is yet to officially respond to Iran’s call for urgent multilateral action.