Iran warns US strikes to have ‘everlasting consequences’

Iran said on Sunday that U.S. airstrikes overnight against three key Iranian nuclear facilities will have “everlasting consequences” as Tehran asserted its right of self-defense against what it called a “grave violation” of international law.

The U.S. bombing of Iran’s Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites was “extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X early Sunday.

The American attacks “are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he said. “Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said late Saturday that the bombing of the major nuclear sites was a “very successful attack” and threatened additional assaults if Tehran does not make peace. The targeted Fordo enrichment plant was described by Trump as “completely and totally obliterated.”

Trump also said that “any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed” Saturday night.

The American aistrikes were welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lauded Trump’s “bold decision” as a move that “will change history.”

But European leaders urged calm as Mideast anxieties escalated.

“With tensions in the Middle East at a new peak, stability must be the priority,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X. “Respect for international law is critical.” She called for Iran “to engage in a credible diplomatic solution.”

European Council President António Costa also urged diplomacy. “I call on all parties to show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety. Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region,” he said on X.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, called for deescalation and urged Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations to address the “grave threat” of its nuclear program. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed that call and urged Iran “to exercise the utmost restraint in this dangerous context.”

But Araghchi accused both Israel and Washington of deliberately sabotaging diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

“Last week, we were in negotiations with the U.S. when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy,” Araghchi said on X. “What conclusion would you draw?”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry “strongly condemned” the U.S. airstrikes, calling them “a gross violation of international law.” In its statement on Telegram, the ministry said the attacks marked “a dangerous escalation … fraught with further undermining of regional and global security.” China also condemned the U.S. action.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, reported no increase in off-site radiation levels following the strikes.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a post on X that he was calling an emergency meeting for Monday following the U.S. strikes “in light of the urgent situation in Iran.”