WANA (Jun 15) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stressed on Sunday that the right to defend against aggression is a legitimate and internationally recognized right of every country. He said Israel “recognizes no boundaries” and emphasized that Iran has no desire to expand the ongoing conflict to other countries or regions—unless forced to do so.

 

In a meeting with ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and heads of foreign and international missions based in Tehran, Araghchi addressed Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian territory. “Since early Friday morning, without any prior warning, the Zionist regime launched attacks on various targets in Iran,” he stated, “which amounts to a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty.”

 

He said the targets included the Natanz nuclear facility as well as locations inside Tehran and residential neighborhoods, leading to the deaths of many civilians across the capital and other cities.

 

Civilians and Scientists Among Victims

Araghchi noted that among the casualties were university professors, nuclear scientists, and military commanders who were not engaged in combat and were killed at home. He pointed out that these attacks occurred just as Iran was preparing for the sixth round of nuclear talks. “Israel recognizes no limits or norms,” he said, adding, “Many of these attacks have harmed children and civilians.”

 

He emphasized that the sixth round of nuclear negotiations was supposed to be held on Sunday. “While talks with the United States were ongoing, Israel carried out these brutal actions,” he said. “International law provides no justification for such attacks.” Araghchi stated that the Israeli regime is not only violating human rights but is also redrawing the boundaries of acceptable behavior under international law.

Pictures of those killed in Israeli strikes on Iran are displayed on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Retaliation Focused First on Military, Then Economic Targets

Iran’s response, Araghchi asserted, was purely in self-defense. “On the first night, our retaliation was limited to military targets,” he said. However, after Israel struck economic targets in Iran—including a Tehran oil refinery and areas in Asaluyeh—Iran responded by targeting Israeli economic infrastructure, including refineries.

 

Calling the attack on Asaluyeh “a blatant act of aggression and a highly dangerous escalation,” he warned that bringing the conflict into the Persian Gulf is “a grave strategic mistake” likely made intentionally to widen the war. “The Persian Gulf is an extremely sensitive and complex region. Any military developments here could engulf not just the region but the world.”

 

Attack on Natanz Nuclear Site a Red Line

Araghchi denounced Israel’s strike on the Natanz nuclear facility, saying the regime had crossed a new red line in international law. “Attacking nuclear facilities is a grave violation that is categorically prohibited under all circumstances,” he said, expressing disappointment at the UN Security Council’s silence on the issue.

 

He thanked countries, especially those in the region, for condemning Israel’s attacks, particularly the strike on Natanz. “However,” he added, “some European countries who claim to champion civilization and international law instead chose to blame Iran for being attacked.”

 

He reiterated that Iran’s response is grounded in self-defense—a principle enshrined in international law. “What our armed forces began two nights ago will continue. You saw a new phase of it last night,” he told the diplomats.

 

IAEA Emergency Session Requested

Araghchi confirmed that he had requested an emergency meeting with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to be held on Monday. He called on ambassadors from IAEA Board Member States to relay Iran’s demand to their capitals: a clear condemnation of Israel’s strike on Natanz.

 

“This may be the last red line of international law that Israel has crossed,” he warned. “If the international community remains indifferent, the consequences will inevitably affect other nations as well.”

A building stands damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Israel Opposes Negotiation and Diplomacy

Reiterating that Iran does not seek to spread the war, Araghchi said: “We did not start this war. We were actively pursuing diplomacy regarding our nuclear program, but this aggression was forced upon us. We will defend ourselves—and that defense is fully legitimate.”

 

He confirmed that the sixth round of negotiations was to take place in Muscat, and Iran was prepared to present a new proposal aimed at achieving a nuclear agreement. “We have full confidence in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program and are ready to prove it, just as we did in the 2015 nuclear deal,” he said.

 

“We are open to any agreement that prevents nuclear weapons development—because for us, such weapons are forbidden—but we will not accept any deal aimed at depriving us of our legitimate nuclear rights.”

 

U.S. Complicit in Israeli Attacks

Araghchi asserted that Israel could not have carried out its attacks without U.S. support. “We have solid evidence of American logistical and military assistance to Israeli forces from bases in the region,” he said. He added that U.S. military movements were closely monitored by Iran and that there were multiple indications of American coordination.

 

“The clearest evidence came from the U.S. President himself,” he said. “In his own tweets, he admitted the attacks would not have been possible without American support and hinted at future actions. This makes the United States a partner in the aggression and it must accept responsibility.”

 

U.S. Must Condemn the Attack Publicly

Referring to past incidents, Araghchi recalled that during nuclear talks in 2021, Israel sabotaged the Natanz enrichment facility to disrupt negotiations, prompting Iran to raise enrichment levels to 60%. “This time is no different. Israel is again trying to sabotage diplomacy.”

 

He said Iran had received indirect messages from the U.S. claiming no involvement in the recent attacks. “We don’t accept these claims. If the U.S. truly had no role, it must publicly condemn the strike on our nuclear facility. Private messages are not enough.”

 

He concluded by urging the international community to act decisively. “This is a regime that has trampled all norms of international law. A clear and firm international response is the only way to restore peace in the region and beyond.”

People attend an anti-Israeli rally following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)