Iran Slams US Attack on Nuclear Sites as ‘Unforgivable’: Global Response, Retaliation Threats, and Diplomatic Fallout


US attack on Iran nuclear sites 2025 reaction, consequences, international law, and retaliation

Introduction: World on Edge After US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities

In an unprecedented move, the United States has launched coordinated strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, triggering international uproar and sharp Iranian condemnation. The Iranian government has labeled the attack “unforgivable” and a “blatant violation of international law,” vowing retaliation under its legitimate right to self-defence.

This article explores the full geopolitical, military, and diplomatic scope of the crisis, including reactions from global powers, possible Iranian retaliation, and the international legal implications of the strikes.


What Happened: Details of the US Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

According to military sources and statements from both nations, the US deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and B-52 aircrafts to strike the underground Fordow facility with GBU-57 bunker busters, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from US submarines to hit Isfahan and Natanz.

Iran has accused the US and Israel of coordinating the operation, with President Trump publicly claiming that the mission was a “success” and warning Iran: “There are many more targets left.”


Iran’s Fierce Response: Revolutionary Guard, Foreign Ministry, and Supreme Leader Condemn US

US Airstrikes on Iranian
US Airstrikes on Iranian

IRGC: “Not Strength but Vulnerability”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a fiery statement saying that US bases across the Middle East “have become vulnerable targets” and that Iran has “monitored and identified the flight paths” of the American bombers involved in the attacks.

“This was a criminal act of strategic incompetence. Washington will pay a heavy price,” the IRGC warned.

Foreign Minister Araghchi: “Unforgivable Aggression”

Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US action as:

“A grave and unprecedented violation of international law and the UN Charter. Iran has done nothing wrong. This aggression is built on falsehoods.”

He further announced emergency consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinted at military retaliation coupled with diplomatic countermeasures.


International Response: Condemnation, Caution, and Calls for Dialogue

Europe Calls for Restraint

  • EU Council President Antonio Costa: Urged immediate de-escalation and return to nuclear negotiations.
  • German Chancellor Merz: Called on Iran to return to talks but admitted Iran “never left.”
  • Ursula von der Leyen (EC President): Emphasized nuclear safety and reiterated support for a “diplomatic resolution.”

Red Cross Warns of ‘Irreversible Consequences’

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric issued a rare warning:

“This is a dangerous collapse of the global rules-based system. War cannot become limitless. Civilians must be spared, and diplomacy must prevail.”

She also confirmed that Red Cross teams are active in both Iran and Israel to prepare for humanitarian fallout.


Legal Implications: Violation of International Law?

Iran and international law scholars argue that the US strikes violated:

  • The UN Charter (Article 2.4) prohibiting force against another state.
  • The IAEA Safeguards Agreement, as the nuclear sites were under international inspection.
  • The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which guarantees peaceful nuclear energy use.

Iran is now calling for UN Security Council action and has accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of inaction.


Is Iran Preparing Military Retaliation?

Iranian officials have hinted at retaliation in line with the “right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter”. Some possible scenarios include:

Potential Iranian RetaliationDetails
Missile strikes on US bases50+ US military facilities in Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf are in range
Naval action in Strait of HormuzCould disrupt 20% of global oil supply
Cyberattacks on US infrastructureIran is known to have strong cyber capabilities
Proxy attacks via Hezbollah or HouthisCould trigger regional war
Targeting Israeli cities or military sitesIsrael has already reported damage in Tel Aviv suburb

Is There Still a Window for Peace?

Araghchi emphasized that while diplomacy must always remain an option, current circumstances make it “impossible.”

“We were in the middle of talks with the US and Europe when bombs started falling. The US has betrayed diplomacy.”

Iran blames both the Trump administration and Israeli PM Netanyahu for destroying any chance of peace through negotiation.


Russia, Turkey, and Regional Players Step In

Russia

Araghchi is set to meet with President Putin in Moscow for “serious consultations,” indicating that Russia may act as a counterbalance to US aggression.

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is reportedly mediating efforts to halt further Israeli strikes. Iran has welcomed Turkey’s role in brokering a ceasefire.

Gulf Nations and the OIC

While the UAE, Qatar, and Oman have condemned the US strike, they are also urging Iran not to escalate. The OIC summit in Istanbul is expected to issue a joint statement supporting Iran’s sovereignty and condemning foreign intervention.


Turkiye’s Position on the US-Iran-Israel Conflict – June 2025

US Airstrikes on Iranian
US Airstrikes on Iranian
AspectDetails
Issuing AuthorityMinistry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Turkiye
Date of StatementJune 22, 2025
SourceAnadolu Agency (State-run Turkish News Agency)
Primary ConcernEscalation of conflict beyond the Middle East
Official Quote“Only negotiations can resolve the nuclear dispute. All parties must act responsibly.”
Position on US StrikesStrong concern over US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites; urges de-escalation
Call to ActionImmediate return to dialogue and diplomatic frameworks
Position on Israel’s RoleWarned of further escalation if Israeli attacks continue
Current EngagementMonitoring the situation; possibly open to mediation efforts
Strategic ImportanceTurkiye is a NATO member and shares borders with Iran’s neighboring regions, making its stability-sensitive and diplomatically active in regional security matters

Airspace Risk Zones for Airlines Post-US Strikes on Iran

US attack on Iran
US attack on Iran
CountryAirspace Risk LevelReason for RiskRecommendations by Safe Airspace
IranExtremeActive conflict zone, military strikes ongoingAvoid all overflight below FL320
IraqHighProximity to US bases, militia activityUse caution or reroute
BahrainHighUS Fifth Fleet HQ location, potential targetConsider alternate routes
QatarHighUS military base (Al Udeid), possible retaliation pointMonitor NOTAMs closely
UAEModerate to HighRegional hub, strategic air corridorMaintain situational awareness
Saudi ArabiaModerateBordering conflict zone, past Houthi drone activityHeightened alert for operators
KuwaitModerateNear Iranian airspace, possible spilloverLimit operations during tensions
OmanModerateNear Strait of Hormuz, air corridorMonitor for airspace alerts

Note: No direct threats to civilian aircraft yet, but tension raises risk of miscalculation or collateral impact.


Kheibar Shekan (Khorramshahr-4) Missile – Specifications

FeatureDetails
Missile NameKheibar Shekan / Khorramshahr-4
DeveloperIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
UnveiledFebruary 2022
TypeMedium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM)
Estimated Range~1,450 km (900 miles)
Payload Capacity~1,500 kg (heaviest in Iran’s arsenal)
PropulsionLiquid-fueled
Guidance SystemLikely Inertial + Satellite (not publicly confirmed)
Launch PlatformMobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL)
Strategic PurposeDesigned to bypass missile defense systems and deliver heavy warheads at long range
Named AfterCity of Khorramshahr, symbolic in Iran-Iraq War

US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities – Main Facts

Targeted SiteLocationAttack MethodDamage LevelPurpose of Facility
FordowNear Qom6 GBU-57 Bunker Busters by B-52Moderate (underground site)Uranium enrichment
NatanzCentral Iran30 Tomahawk MissilesHeavyMain uranium centrifuge hub
IsfahanCentral IranAirstrikes and cruise missilesHighConversion and fuel processing

Iran’s Declared and Potential Retaliation Paths

Response TypeDescriptionStrategic GoalLikelihood
Missile strikes on US basesAttack US military facilities in Iraq, Syria, BahrainRetaliate without escalating into full warHigh
Targeting Israeli citiesUse medium-range missiles to hit Tel Aviv or HaifaDirect deterrence against further Israeli actionMedium
Cyber attacksSabotage US energy/infrastructure networksAsymmetric warfare optionHigh
Closing Strait of HormuzNaval blockadeImpact global oil markets & gain leverageMedium
Proxy operations via Hezbollah/HouthisAttacks via non-state alliesPlausible deniability & multi-front pressureVery High

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Positions

Country/OrganizationReaction SummaryPosition
European UnionCalled for de-escalation, diplomacyNeutral, pro-dialogue
RussiaHosting emergency talks with IranPro-Iran, strategic partner
TurkeyMediating potential ceasefireRegional mediator
United StatesClaims strikes were successful, warns IranAggressive, justifying self-defence
IsraelClaims victory, prepares for Iranian retaliationAggressive, offensive posture
ICRC (Red Cross)Warns of humanitarian disasterHumanitarian, anti-escalation

Legal Implications Under International Law

Legal InstrumentViolation ClaimedExplanation
UN Charter Article 2.4YesProhibits use of force against another UN member
NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty)YesAttacking peaceful nuclear programs breaches treaty
IAEA Safeguards AgreementYesSites under monitoring—strike could damage oversight
Customary International LawYesProportionality and sovereignty not respected
Article 51 UN Charter (Self-defense)Claimed by IranJustifies retaliation after external aggression

Timeline of Recent Events in US-Iran-Israel Crisis

US attack on Iran
US attack on Iran
DateEventDetails
June 20, 2025Trump announces strikes on Fordow, Natanz, IsfahanBunker busters and Tomahawk missiles used
June 21, 2025Iran condemns strikes as “unforgivable”Statement at OIC summit
June 22, 2025Israel strikes Dezful, Isfahan military airportsReports of damage to Iranian airbases
June 22, 2025Iran launches missile retaliation on Tel Aviv27 injured in Ramat Aviv suburb
June 23, 2025Araghchi visits Turkey, prepares visit to RussiaStrategic consultations initiated

Strategic Implications of the US-Iran Conflict

AreaImplicationDescription
Middle East StabilityThreatenedMulti-front conflict risks dragging in regional powers
Global Oil PricesLikely SpikeHormuz disruption and uncertainty may trigger market panic
US Foreign PolicyQuestionedAccusations of illegal aggression and unilateralism
Non-Proliferation RegimeUnderminedAttacking IAEA-monitored sites sets dangerous precedent
Humanitarian ImpactSevere RiskEscalation will strain regional relief efforts and displace civilians

Expert Analysis: What’s Next for the Middle East?

US attack on Iran
US attack on Iran
AnalystOpinion
Alon Pinkas (Former Israeli Diplomat)“Israel will now watch for US policy shift towards regime change in Iran.”
Stephen Zunes (US Professor)“This is about regional dominance, not nuclear threats.”
Foad Izadi (Tehran University)“This is part of a plan to Balkanise Iran, divide it into pieces.”
Trita Parsi (Quincy Institute)“The real danger is a sustained bombing campaign disguised as ‘surgical strikes’.”

Final Thoughts: Are We on the Brink of War?

With both Iran and the US digging in, and Israel continuing to strike Iranian-linked assets, the world may be on the verge of the largest Middle East war in decades. The collapse of nuclear diplomacy and disregard for international law signal a new era of confrontation.

Iran’s next move—whether measured or massive—will likely determine whether this spirals into a wider regional war, possibly drawing in Russia, Turkey, and Gulf countries.


FAQs: US-Iran-Israel Crisis 2025

Is Iran going to retaliate?

Yes, Iranian officials have confirmed retaliation under international law is “inevitable.”

Was the US attack legal?

Many international law experts say the US violated both the UN Charter and the NPT.

Will Russia intervene militarily?

Not directly for now. But Russia is coordinating diplomatically with Iran.

What happens to the nuclear deal (JCPOA)?

Iran says the deal is “dead” and no longer trusts the US or Europe.

Could oil prices spike?

Yes. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a global energy crisis.


Read More: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/6/22/live-us-joins-israels-attacks-on-iran-bombs-three-nuclear-sites

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