Strikes on Natanz, Civilian Casualties Mark ‘Dangerous Escalation’; IAEA Emergency Meeting Requested
Tehran – In a strongly worded address to ambassadors and heads of international organizations in Tehran, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned Israel’s “unprovoked aggression” against Iranian territory, including strikes on nuclear facilities, and vowed a “resolute” continuation of Iran’s military response.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi accused Israel of violating international law by targeting civilian infrastructure and nuclear sites, notably the Natanz enrichment facility, which he said resulted in casualties among scientists, families, and military personnel. “This regime recognizes no red lines,” he declared, citing parallels to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Diplomatic Backdrop Shattered
The attacks came amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., with a sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday in Muscat. Araghchi asserted that Israel’s strikes were deliberately timed to sabotage diplomacy, recalling similar sabotage during 2021 Vienna talks. He revealed Iran had prepared a counterproposal for the Muscat meeting but warned, “Israel’s goal is to destroy any chance of dialogue.”
Regional and Global Consequences
Araghchi warned that Israel’s expansion of strikes to economic sites, including the Tehran refinery and Asaluyeh energy facilities, risked igniting a broader conflict in the Persian Gulf—a “strategic mistake with global repercussions.” He urged the IAEA to condemn the Natanz attack at an emergency meeting Monday and called on Western nations to end their “double standards” in criticizing Iran’s defensive actions.
U.S. Complicity Alleged
The minister accused the U.S. of direct involvement, citing “solid evidence” of American logistical support for the strikes. “Private denials are meaningless,” he said, demanding the U.S. publicly condemn the attacks to prove its neutrality.
Self-Defense ‘Will Continue’
While emphasizing Iran’s preference for diplomacy, Araghchi stated that missile strikes on Israeli military and economic targets were “legitimate self-defense” and would persist until aggression ceased. “We did not choose this war,” he said, “but we will defend our people without hesitation.”
Appeal to International Community
In closing, Araghchi urged the UN Security Council and global powers to act swiftly, warning that silence on Israel’s violations would “endanger all nations.” The speech underscored Tehran’s hardening stance as regional tensions reach a boiling point.
BY: The Times Union
