In an ironic twist of fate, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi found himself outside the country during the US military’s significant airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities late Saturday night.
Under the command of President Donald J. Trump, the United States launched a targeted assault dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, striking three nuclear sites across Iran.
Among the most notable aspects of the operation was the deployment of 14 bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s largest nuclear facility at Fordow. This marked the most extensive airstrike by B-2 stealth bombers in US history, with the aircraft undertaking their longest flight since 2001.
In total, more than 125 US aircraft participated in this unprecedented operation.
In the aftermath of these historic strikes, Araqchi, attending an OIC meeting in Istanbul, did not hold back in his condemnation of the United States. The Iranian Tasnim News reported his remarks:
Araqchi asserted that the US would bear full responsibility for the repercussions of its attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing that Tehran retains the right to respond as it sees fit.
During a press conference at the OIC meeting on Sunday, he accused the US of breaching all international laws and norms through its military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
He cautioned that the US must face the severe consequences of such an aggressive act. Highlighting Iranās entitlement to self-defense under the UN Charter, Araqchi reiterated that Tehran is prepared to explore various options in response to the US attacks.
Araqchi, also known as Araghchi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to further denounce the US actions, stating, āIran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.ā
Abbas Araghchi: The United States, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a serious violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the NPT by targeting Iranās peaceful nuclear installations. The events of this morning are shocking and will have lasting consequences. Every member of the UN should be alarmed by such reckless, lawless, and criminal behavior. Under the UN Charter, which allows for legitimate self-defense, Iran maintains the right to respond as necessary to protect its sovereignty, interests, and people.
Here is the tweet.
The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.
The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlastingā¦
ā Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
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This rewrite maintains a structured approach while ensuring clarity and depth in the analysis of the geopolitical climate surrounding the US strikes on Iran. It emphasizes the implications of the foreign ministerās remarks and the broader context of international relations, making it suitable for publication.
