Iran has accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts and violating international law following US airstrikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — early Sunday morning. The strikes have escalated tensions and further entangled Washington in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani condemned the strikes as “blatant US aggression” and a breach of international law. He warned that Iran’s military will decide the timing, nature, and scale of a proportionate response to these attacks.

“Even though Iran reserves its full and legitimate right under international law to defend itself against this blatant US aggression and its Israeli proxy, the timing, nature, and scale of Iran’s proportionate response will be decided by its armed forces,” Iravani told the Council.

The meeting was convened under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security” at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Iran Blames Israel for Sabotaging Diplomacy

Ambassador Iravani strongly criticised Israel for “destroying diplomacy” and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating former US President Donald Trump into doing the West’s “dirty work.” He claimed that Israel’s actions, supported by the US, UK, France, and other European allies, were intended to push the region into conflict and derail negotiations.

“What conclusion can be drawn from this situation?” Iravani asked. “From the perspective of Western countries, Iran must 'return to the negotiating table'. But, as Iran’s foreign minister said, how can Iran return to something it never left?”

Background and Tensions

The US airstrikes mark a significant escalation in an already volatile Middle East context. Iran says it repeatedly warned Washington against military intervention and labelled recent attacks by both Israel and the US as illegal and politically motivated.

The ambassador emphasised that Iran will take “all measures necessary” to defend its sovereignty and national security while holding the West accountable for aggravating regional tensions.

The situation has drawn widespread international concern about the risk of further military confrontation and the future of nuclear diplomacy in the region.

(With agencies inputs)