US gets global criticism for strikes on Fordow; Iran says it reserves all options to respond

TEHRAN: Iran reserves all options to defend itself after US strikes on its nuclear facilities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday on X, saying the attacks were “outrageous and will have everlasting consequences”.

He also said that the US committed a grave violation of the UN charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations. He said that the events that took place this morning are provocative and will have long-term consequences. “Iran reserves all powers to defend its sovereignty, interests and people under the UN Charter,” Iranian Foreign Minister added.

US RECEIVES GLOBAL CRITICISM

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned US attacks on Iran, CNN reported on Sunday. In a statement, he said, “We strongly condemn us bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The attacks dangerously escalate conflicts in the Middle East. The aggression is a serious violation of the UN charter and international law. The attacks are putting humanity in a crisis with irreversible consequences.”

IAEA says no damage seen at Iran’s Fordow or Khondab nuclear sites

Chilean President Gabriel Boric also condemned the US Attack, saying “We demand peace, peace is needed.” CNN also reported Venezuelan Foreign Ministry’s condemnation of military aggression against Iran.

Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, also strongly condemned US strikes on nuclear sites in Iran.

The Gulf sultanate “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran”, the official Oman News Agency said.

BRITAIN DISTANCES ITSELF FROM US STRIKES

Britain was not involved in the US attacks on Iran, said the British Ministry of Trade on Sunday, adding that Britain was informed about the US attacks on Iran, but the US did not request any assistance in the attack.

UK is working to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East and has moved military assets to the region, the ministry said, adding that Britain will work to defend its interests, and those of the US and NATO in the Middle East.

HAMAS, HOUTHIS VOW RESPONSE

Palestinian Resistance Organization Hamas issued a statement on US attacks on Iran, condemning the attacks. According to a CNN report, Hamas said, “The brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation of tensions and blind obedience to Israel’s agenda. The attacks are a clear violation of international law and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

“The attacks violate all international norms and conventions,” Hamas said.

Another statement by officials of Yemen’s Houthi forces, as quoted by Arab media said that Washington will have to face the consequences of the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Destroying nuclear facilities is not the end of the war, but the beginning,” Yemeni Houthi forces said, adding, “The time for hit and run is over.”

Also read: Saudi Arabia says ‘no radioactive effects’ detected in Gulf after US strikes on Iran