Iran Slams US Strike on Nuclear Sites as Betrayal, ‘No room for diplomacy’

Following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the action during a press conference held in Istanbul. He described the military operation as a direct violation of international law and a breach of Iran’s sovereignty. The strikes, coordinated with Israel, have prompted Tehran to declare that all possible responses are on the table in defense of its national interests, territorial integrity, and citizens.

Araghchi asserted that diplomacy has been undermined, blaming the United States for abandoning peaceful negotiations. He emphasized that in light of the attacks, the question of returning to diplomatic talks is irrelevant. Iran, according to Araghchi, must now act on its internationally recognized right to self-defense.

Tehran’s Position on Diplomacy and U.S. Intentions

Araghchi maintained that Iran had been actively engaged in diplomatic discussions with both the United States and European parties in recent days. He pointed to recent talks in Geneva as evidence of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions through peaceful means. However, he stated those efforts were dismantled by unilateral actions—first by Israel and then by the U.S.—thus signaling that the pathway for diplomacy has been closed, at least in the immediate term.

The foreign minister criticized what he described as a pattern of betrayal, noting that Iran had made repeated commitments to peaceful engagement, only for them to be met with force. He expressed concern that the U.S. no longer operates within a framework of mutual dialogue but has reverted to policies driven by intimidation and the use of military power.

In elaborating on his position, Araghchi warned that Iran cannot be expected to re-enter negotiations under threat or attack. He said the international community should condemn the bombing of nuclear infrastructure, which he categorized as an egregious breach of global legal norms.

U.S. Airstrikes Mark a Significant Escalation

The United States launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These operations represent the first instance of direct U.S. military engagement in the conflict that began on June 13, when Israel initiated attacks under what it termed Operation Rising Lion.

Reports indicate that the strikes utilized advanced precision-guided munitions, including bunker-penetrating bombs and submarine-launched cruise missiles, aimed at crippling Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities. The U.S. action follows a warning issued by President Donald Trump that a decision on intervention would be made within two weeks. However, the military operation was executed much sooner than anticipated.

Trump, speaking from the Oval Office following the strikes, presented the situation as a pivotal choice for Iran: either pursue peace or face consequences more severe than those experienced in the preceding days. He framed the U.S. action as necessary to halt what he described as a growing nuclear threat and to support regional stability.

Reaction to Trump’s Decision and Regional Fallout

Addressing the broader implications, Araghchi accused the U.S. president of deceiving both Iran and the American electorate. He pointed out that Trump had originally campaigned on promises to withdraw the United States from protracted conflicts in the Middle East. According to Araghchi, the latest military move contradicts those commitments and has now drawn the U.S. into a confrontation with unpredictable consequences.

Iranian officials have reiterated their stance that they do not seek nuclear weapons and emphasized their right to a peaceful nuclear energy program. Nonetheless, the destruction of nuclear infrastructure and the accompanying rhetoric have deepened mistrust and significantly narrowed the window for diplomatic solutions.