TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut has vehemently condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, warning that it represents serious escalation and a blatant violation of international law.
Speaking to Tehran’s foreign ambassador on Sunday, Araguchi said the incident occurred while Iran was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the United States, accusing Israel of deliberately denying diplomatic progress.
“We were in the midst of nuclear negotiations with the US and today’s sixth round was scheduled for Muscat,” he said. “The Zionist regime is not aware of any restrictions regarding breach of international law.”
He further condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying not only civilians were killed, but “so did human rights, humanitarian law, international law and all international norms.”
Araguchi emphasized that Israel’s strike against nuclear facilities presents a dangerous new precedent.
“This is a serious violation under international law and is absolutely prohibited under all circumstances. However, the Security Council responded with indifference,” he said.
“The growing conflict in the Persian Gulf is a serious miscalculation.”
In response to the recent Israeli attacks, including major economic infrastructure, Aragut said Iran had acted in self-defense following international norms.
“Our missile strikes regarding military and economic targets of occupied territories only addressed aggression,” he said. “But yesterday, Israel struck the economic sites of Tehran and Asaruiye. As of last night, we responded by targeting economic facilities and refineries within the Zionist regime.”
He warned that Israel’s strike against Asaruiye, a key energy hub, is a dangerous escalation aimed at expanding conflict across Iran’s borders.
“Tracing the battlefield into the Persian Gulf is a major strategic mistake. “This is a delicate and complex region. Military escalation can ignite wider conflicts across the region, or across the world.”
“Iran is asking the IAEA to condemn Israel’s strike.”
Araguchi announced that Iran has formally requested an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Committee to address the Natanz incident scheduled for Monday.
“The Board hopes to firmly condemn the Zionist regime for this blatant violation of international law,” he said. He said he would call on envoys from IAEA member states to communicate the urgency of the issue to their capital.
He warned that this might be the last red line of international law that Israel can cross without consequences.
“If the international community remains indifferent, the fallout will not be limited to Iran. It will affect all countries.”
“The US shares responsibility for the Israeli attack.”
Araguchi directly involved the United States in Israeli attacks, citing “specific and documented evidence” of US military support for attacks, including US regional bases.
“This operation could not have happened without US approval and support,” he said. “We closely monitored their coordination and gathered extensive evidence.”
He also pointed to an official statement by the US President, claiming that the US president is dependent on American equipment, signaling that further action is imminent.
“From our perspective, the United States is colluding and must accept responsibility.”
Nevertheless, Aragut said Iran focuses on military responses only on Israeli targets.
“We are not trying to expand the war, unless it was imposed on us. We didn’t launch this conflict. We were pursuing diplomacy over a nuclear program.
Araguchi said the Israeli attack was intended to hamper a potential nuclear deal.
“Today we were ready to present mutual proposals to the United States,” he said. “Our offer may have paved the way for agreement.”
“It’s clear now. Israel doesn’t want to trade, diplomacy, or negotiations. The attacks in discussions prove to be against it.”
“Israel will do anything to derail the lecture, including interference.”
The Foreign Minister recalled previous sabotages, including the 2021 attack on Natantz during JCPOA negotiations in Vienna.
“At the time, we responded by enriching uranium to 60%,” Araguchi said. “The damaged centrifuge has been replaced by even more powerful centrifuges.”
He focused on the latest incident as a continuation of that policy.
“This is about destroying diplomacy. I regret that the United States has coincided with this agenda.”
Araguchi said Washington sent messages denying involvement, but Tehran would not accept those claims.
“If the US is not really involved in this, it should be publicly said,” he said. “Private messaging is insufficient.”
He urged the United States to condemn the attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.
“This law is illegal under international law. If the US wants to show honesty on nuclear issues, it will obviously need to distance itself from this attack.”
He concluded by urging the international community to take the issue seriously.
“Now is the time for the world to stand up to Israel’s crimes, its attacks, and the complete ignorance of international law principles.”