Missiles fired from Iran in retaliation for Israeli attacks are seen in the sky over the Hebron, West Bank on June 21, 2025.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said Tehran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty and people after the “outrageous” U.S. attacks on three major nuclear enrichment facilities in the Middle Eastern country.
Iran also launched its 20th wave of missile and drone strikes against Israeli military targets, according to Iran state-owned media Fars. The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday reported sirens blaring due to further Iranian offensives and added it had begun its own missile offensives in western Iran.
The two regional foes have been exchanging attacks since Israel’s surprise attack on Iran last week.
Tehran’s response comes after the U.S. conducted a direct military attack on Iran for the first time, a move that has dramatically ratcheted up geopolitical tensions in the already volatile region.
Araghchi said on social media that the U.S. attacks targeting the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites would have “everlasting consequences,” adding that “every member of the United Nations must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” Araghchi said on X.
Addressing the nation on Saturday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump said strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites were a “spectacular military success” that “completely obliterated” the country’s key enrichment facilities.
The U.S. president’s claim about the result of the operation could not be independently confirmed. The International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran’s nuclear safety center had reported no radiation or contamination at the nuclear centers following the attacks, as of Sunday morning London time.
Protesters in support of Iran and Palestinians in Gaza hold flags and placards during a demonstration against the actions of Israel and the United States in Sydney on June 22, 2025.
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“There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left,” Trump said.
Israel welcomed Trump’s intervention in the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump’s “bold decision will change history.”
This developing story is being updated.
