Latest news with #UNSecurityCouncilResolution2231
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations
The Iranian flag in front of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organisation's headquarters in Vienna, Austria. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a US military strike on its nuclear facilities, calling the action an unprecedented breach of international law and a grave violation of the UN Charter. In a statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran accused the United States of a 'brutal military aggression' against its peaceful nuclear infrastructure. Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of #Iran concerning the #UnitedStates military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the… — Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) June 22, 2025 Tehran held Washington fully responsible for what it called a 'heinous crime' and warned of 'dangerous consequences' stemming from the attack. The strike, which took place in the early hours of the 10th day of Israel's military campaign against Iran, was described by Tehran as a joint effort between the US and Israel to wage war against the Iranian people. The Foreign Ministry said the attack violated Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force, and breached UN Security Council Resolution 2231. 'This act of aggression has exposed the criminal complicity between the United States and the Zionist regime,' the statement read, adding that the attack undermines global non-proliferation efforts. Iran called on the United Nations, including Secretary-General António Guterres and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to respond swiftly. Tehran urged the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session and to hold Washington accountable for what it described as an 'egregious violation' of international norms. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is resolved to defend its sovereignty, territory, security, and people by all means,' the ministry said, adding that silence in the face of such aggression would plunge the international community into chaos. The statement also criticised the IAEA and its Director General for what it described as biased conduct, alleging that the Agency's stance had paved the way for the escalation. Reiterating its position as a founding UN member, Iran appealed to the global community to reject what it characterised as unlawful, unilateral aggression by the United States. Tehran warned that failure to act would embolden further violations of international law. Statement from ICRC president The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that the world 'cannot absorb limitless war' amid escalating military operations in the Middle East, urging all parties to uphold international humanitarian law. In a statement, the ICRC called for the protection of civilians and safe access for medical personnel and first responders, including those with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom. The organisation said it is scaling up operations in both Iran and Israel but stressed that humanitarian aid cannot replace the political will needed to pursue peace and safeguard human life. Trump enters Iran conflict US President Donald Trump has, in an unprecedented move, joined Israel's airstrike on Iran's nuclear sites intervening militarily in a major foreign war he had long vowed to avoid. The US attack, including the targeting of Iran's most heavily fortified nuclear installation deep underground, marks the biggest foreign policy gamble of Trump's two presidencies and one fraught with risks and unknowns. Trump, who insisted on Saturday that Iran must now make peace or face further attacks, could provoke Tehran into retaliating by closing the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil artery, attacking US military bases and allies in the Middle East, stepping up its missile barrage on Israel and activating proxy groups against American and Israeli interests worldwide, analysts said. Such moves could escalate into a broader, more protracted conflict than Trump had envisioned, evoking echoes of the 'forever wars' that America fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he had derided as 'stupid' and promised never to be dragged into. 'The Iranians are seriously weakened and degraded in their military capabilities,' said Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator for Democratic and Republican administrations. 'But they have all sorts of asymmetric ways that they can respond... This is not going to end quick.' In the lead-up to the bombing that he announced late on Saturday, Trump had vacillated between threats of military action and appeals for renewed negotiation to persuade Iran to reach a deal to dismantle its nuclear program. A senior White House official said that once Trump was convinced that Tehran had no interest in reaching a nuclear agreement, he decided the strikes were 'the right thing to do.' Trump gave the go-ahead once he was assured of a 'high probability of success,' the official said – a determination reached after more than a week of Israeli air attacks on Iran's nuclear and military facilities paved the way for the US to deliver the potentially crowning blow. Nuclear threat remains Trump touted the "great success" of the strikes, which he said included the use of massive "bunker-buster bombs" on the main site at Fordow. But some experts suggested that while Iran's nuclear program may have been set back for many years, the threat may be far from over. Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, saying its program is for purely peaceful purposes. 'In the long term, military action is likely to push Iran to determine nuclear weapons are necessary for deterrence and that Washington is not interested in diplomacy,' the Arms Control Association, a non-partisan US-based organization that advocates for arms control legislation, said in a statement. 'Military strikes alone cannot destroy Iran's extensive nuclear knowledge. The strikes will set Iran's program back, but at the cost of strengthening Tehran's resolve to reconstitute its sensitive nuclear activities,' the group said. Eric Lob, assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, said Iran's next move remains an open question and suggested that among its forms of retaliation could be to hit 'soft targets' of the US and Israel inside and outside the region. But he also said there was a possibility that Iran could return to the negotiating table – 'though they would be doing so in an even weaker position' – or seek a diplomatic off-ramp. In the immediate aftermath of the US attacks, however, Iran showed little appetite for concessions. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said it would not allow development of its 'national industry' to be stopped, and an Iranian state television commentator said every US citizen or military member in the region would now be legitimate targets. Early on Sunday, Iran's foreign ministry issued a statement warning that Tehran "considers it its right to resist with all its might against US military aggression." Karim Sadjadpour, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, posted on X: 'Trump indicated this is now the time for peace. It's unclear and unlikely the Iranians will see it the same way. This is more likely to open a new chapter of the 46-year-old US-Iran war than conclude it.' 1/10 The US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities is an unprecedented event that may prove to be transformational for Iran, the Middle East, US foreign policy, global non-proliferation, and potentially even the global order. Its impact will be measured for decades to come. 🧵 — Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) June 22, 2025 'Regime change' Some analysts suggested that Trump, whose administration has previously disavowed any aim of dislodging the Iranian leadership, could be drawn into seeking 'regime change' if Tehran carries out major reprisals or moves to build a nuclear weapon. That, in turn, would bring additional risks. 'Beware mission creep, aiming for regime change and democratization campaigns,' said Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington. 'You'll find the bones of many failed U.S. moral missions buried in Middle East sands.' Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. deputy intelligence officer for the Middle East, said Iran's leadership would quickly engage in 'disproportionate attacks' if it felt its survival was imperiled. But Tehran will also have to be mindful of the consequences, he said. While actions such as closing the Strait of Hormuz would pose problems for Trump with the resulting higher oil prices and potential U.S. inflationary impact, it would also hurt China, one of Iran's few powerful allies. At the same time, Trump is already facing strong push-back from congressional Democrats against the Iran attack and will also have to contend with opposition from the anti-interventionist wing of his Republican MAGA base. Trump, who faced no major international crisis in his first term, is now embroiled in one just six months into his second. Even if he hopes US military involvement can be limited in time and scope, the history of such conflicts often carries unintended consequences for American presidents. Trump's slogan of 'peace through strength' will certainly be tested as never before, especially with his opening of a new military front after failing to meet his campaign promises to quickly end wars in Ukraine and Gaza. 'Trump is back in the war business,' said Richard Gowan, UN director at the International Crisis Group. 'I am not sure anyone in Moscow, Tehran or Beijing ever believed his spiel that he is a peacemaker. It always looked more like a campaign phrase than a strategy."
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Iran's Foreign Ministry denounces US attack on peaceful nuclear sites
Iran's capital Tehran under fire. Image: AFP The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the savage U.S. military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, an act carried out in blatant and unprecedented violation of the most fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. The Ministry holds the warmongering and lawbreaking U.S. government fully responsible for the grave consequences of this major crime. The U.S. military aggression against the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of a UN member state, perpetrated in collusion with the genocidal Zionist regime, once again reveals the depths of U.S. malice and hostility toward the peace-loving, independent people of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran asserts its right to stand firmly against the U.S. military aggression and crimes and to protect Iran's national security and interests by all means necessary. The U.S. assault on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, carried out on the tenth day of Israel's ongoing military aggression, has publicly exposed America's criminal collaboration with the Zionist regime in planning and executing military attacks on Iran. This assault constitutes not only a severe and unprecedented breach of the UN Charter, especially Article 2, Paragraph 4 on the prohibition of force and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, but also a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and a devastating blow to the nuclear non-proliferation regime, committed by a permanent member of the Security Council. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Iran calls on the United Nations, the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and all relevant international bodies to take urgent and responsible action in response to this criminal lawbreaking. Silence in the face of such blatant aggression would expose the world to unprecedented, far-reaching dangers. As a founding member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran expects the organization and all its responsible members to fulfill their duties in light of this flagrant American breach of international law. We urge the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to decisively condemn the U.S. aggression against Iran and to hold the United States accountable for its gross violations of international norms and rules. The IAEA and its Director General, who, through their clear bias toward belligerent parties, helped create the pretext for this disaster, must now fully assume their responsibilities. We call upon the IAEA Board of Governors to hold an emergency meeting and address the U.S. attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, which have been under full IAEA safeguards and inspection. The world must not forget that the United States, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy by supporting the aggressive and unlawful actions of the genocidal Israeli regime, and has now launched a dangerous war against Iran in continuation of these violations. It is now clear to all that a country claiming to be a permanent member of the Security Council adheres to no rule or ethical standard and is willing to commit any violation or crime to advance the aims of a genocidal, occupying regime.
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Iran's Adversaries in Key Nuclear Vote
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has declared that Iran has not complied with its nuclear obligations in a vote following a resolution, backed by the United States and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany). The resolution was passed with 19 votes in favor. Three countries voted against, 11 abstained and two countries did not vote, according to multiple media reports. Iran described it as a "politically motivated" resolution and said it will build a new uranium enrichment facility in a secure location, state media Press TV reported after the vote. Newsweek has contacted the IAEA for comment. The IAEA resolution could lead to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran has warned this would trigger a strong response, including limiting IAEA cooperation, boosting uranium enrichment, or quitting the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Increased tensions raise the risk of military escalation between Iran and the United States-with prospects also rising for an Israeli strike-which could trigger a wider Middle East conflict involving regional allies. On Thursday, the UN nuclear watchdog's board of governors officially determined that Iran has failed to meet its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades, with 19 countries voting for the resolution, according to The Associated Press. The resolution said "Iran failed to provide credible explanations for nuclear material at three undeclared locations." The IAEA held a board session Wednesday on Iran's nuclear program, during which Britain, France, and Germany warned Iran that its escalating nuclear activities-such as 60 percent enrichment of uranium and expansion of centrifuge and stockpile limits-undermine the JCPOA, a 2015 deal with Iran, but did not call for immediate punitive steps. The resolution seeks to prompt Iran to resolve the issue without immediately referring its non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council for sanctions, giving Iran a window to address six years of outstanding requests, a Western diplomat told The Associated Press earlier in June. The push followed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's reports uncovering undisclosed nuclear activities in Iran. Grossi said Iran had undermined the agency's ability to monitor Iran's JCPOA commitments and removed all related surveillance and monitoring equipment in 2022. Iran criticized the resolution and dismissed Grossi's report, warning of serious consequences if the U.N. Security Council imposes new sanctions, Iran's UN Ambassador Reza Najafi told the board, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Russia's envoy to the IAEA, Mikhail Ulyanov, supported Tehran's position, saying that "the United States and then the E3 deliberately sabotaged the implementation of the nuclear deal," he said, referring to the JCPOA." Gulf states and other Arab and Middle East countries have supported diplomatic efforts and mediated rapprochement with Iran, but remain cautious and neutral, mindful that regional security would be at serious risk if war erupts. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal which lifted sanctions in exchange for nuclear limits, was disrupted by the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and is set to fully expire in October 2025. U.S. President Donald trump told "Pod Force One" podcast on the nuclear deal: "I'm getting more and more less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, I think that's a shame. I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Reza Najafi, Iran's Permanent Ambassador to the UN office and international organizations in Vienna, as quoted by IRNA: "Since the E3 has seriously violated Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, they are neither in a moral nor legal position to activate the snapback mechanism. If such a scenario unfolds, Iran's options will be firm, and the United States and the E3 will bear full responsibility." France, Germany and the UK (E3) joint statement, published by the British government's website: "Iran must halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding a change of its nuclear doctrine, which are in themselves highly destabilising and not consistent with Iran's status as a state without nuclear weapons under the NPT." Washington and Tehran are scheduled to resume nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Oman amid key disagreements on enrichment and sanctions' relief. Related Articles Iran Threatens to Attack U.S. Forces if Israel Strikes Nuclear SitesIran Fails to Meet Nuclear Obligations for First Time in 20 YearsExclusive: Houthis Warn US and Israel of 'War' If Iran AttackedUS Embassy in Middle East Prepares to Evacuate After Warning From Iran 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Iran's Adversaries in Key Nuclear Vote
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors has declared that Iran has not complied with its nuclear obligations in a vote following a resolution, backed by the United States and the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany). The resolution was passed with 19 votes in favor. Three countries voted against, 11 abstained and two countries did not vote, according to multiple media reports. Iran described it as a "politically motivated" resolution and said it will build a new uranium enrichment facility in a secure location, state media Press TV reported after the vote. Newsweek has contacted the IAEA for comment. Why It Matters The IAEA resolution could lead to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran has warned this would trigger a strong response, including limiting IAEA cooperation, boosting uranium enrichment, or quitting the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Increased tensions raise the risk of military escalation between Iran and the United States—with prospects also rising for an Israeli strike—which could trigger a wider Middle East conflict involving regional allies. What To Know On Thursday, the UN nuclear watchdog's board of governors officially determined that Iran has failed to meet its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades, with 19 countries voting for the resolution, according to The Associated Press. The resolution said "Iran failed to provide credible explanations for nuclear material at three undeclared locations," according to a copy published by Al-Jazeera English TV channel. The IAEA held a board session Wednesday on Iran's nuclear program, during which Britain, France, and Germany warned Iran that its escalating nuclear activities—such as 60 percent enrichment of uranium and expansion of centrifuge and stockpile limits—undermine the JCPOA, a 2015 deal with Iran, but did not call for immediate punitive steps. The resolution seeks to prompt Iran to resolve the issue without immediately referring its non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council for sanctions, giving Iran a window to address six years of outstanding requests, a Western diplomat told The Associated Press earlier in June. The push followed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi's reports uncovering undisclosed nuclear activities in Iran. Grossi said Iran had undermined the agency's ability to monitor Iran's JCPOA commitments and removed all related surveillance and monitoring equipment in 2022. Timely meeting in Cairo with Egypt's @MfaEgypt Badr Abdelatty and Iran's Foreign Minister @araghchi. Grateful for Egypt's constructive role in supporting peaceful, diplomatic solutions to regional challenges. — Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 2, 2025 Iran criticized the resolution and dismissed Grossi's report, warning of serious consequences if the U.N. Security Council imposes new sanctions, Iran's UN Ambassador Reza Najafi told the board, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Russia's envoy to the IAEA, Mikhail Ulyanov, supported Tehran's position, saying that "the United States and then the E3 deliberately sabotaged the implementation of the nuclear deal," he said, referring to the JCPOA." Gulf states and other Arab and Middle East countries have supported diplomatic efforts and mediated rapprochement with Iran, but remain cautious and neutral, mindful that regional security would be at serious risk if war erupts. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal which lifted sanctions in exchange for nuclear limits, was disrupted by the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and is set to fully expire in October 2025. What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald trump told "Pod Force One" podcast on the nuclear deal: "I'm getting more and more less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, I think that's a shame. I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Reza Najafi, Iran's Permanent Ambassador to the UN office and international organizations in Vienna, as quoted by IRNA: "Since the E3 has seriously violated Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, they are neither in a moral nor legal position to activate the snapback mechanism. If such a scenario unfolds, Iran's options will be firm, and the United States and the E3 will bear full responsibility." France, Germany and the UK (E3) joint statement, published by the British government's website: "Iran must halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding a change of its nuclear doctrine, which are in themselves highly destabilising and not consistent with Iran's status as a state without nuclear weapons under the NPT." What Happens Next Washington and Tehran are scheduled to resume nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Oman amid key disagreements on enrichment and sanctions' relief.
