Iran Reserves Right to Respond Following U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Facilities
Iran launched its 20th wave of missile and drone strikes against Israeli military targets, according to Iran's state-owned media, Fars.
On June 22, 2025, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty and people following U.S. airstrikes on three nuclear enrichment facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Araghchi described the U.S. actions as a severe violation and indicated that Iran would consider all measures to protect its interests.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran launched its 20th wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli military positions, as reported by Iran's state-owned media, Fars. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the activation of sirens due to these offensives and announced the initiation of their own missile operations in western Iran.
The escalation follows a series of mutual attacks between Israel and Iran, beginning with an Israeli strike on Iranian targets the previous week. The U.S. airstrikes represent a significant escalation, marking the first direct U.S. military action against Iran in this context.
Araghchi emphasized on social media that the attacks on the nuclear sites would have lasting consequences and urged United Nations members to be concerned about what he termed extremely dangerous and unlawful behavior. He referenced the UN Charter's provisions on self-defense, stating that Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the nation, describing the strikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities as a military success that significantly impaired Iran's enrichment capabilities. However, these claims have not been independently verified. The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran's nuclear safety center reported no radiation or contamination at the sites following the attacks, as of Sunday morning London time.