The IRGC said ‘now the war has begun,’ after Donald Trump made an address announcing the ‘obliteration’ of the Fordow site and other facilities
Iran’s foreign minister said on 22 June that the US bombardment of the country’s nuclear facilities will have “everlasting consequences,” reserving the right to respond.
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on social media. “Each and every member of the UN 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.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has also condemned the attack as a “barbaric and illegal act” and a “reckless provocation that will not go unanswered.”
“The American enemy, through a statement by its president in social media, has officially claimed responsibility for the attacks on these sites, which are under continuous monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) based on the safeguards agreement and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” the statement added.
The AEOI also said the international community must denounce this “lawless jungle behavior.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released its own statement stressing that “Now the war has begun for us.”
Iranian state media reported that all enriched uranium had been removed from nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordow facility, in advance, adding that there is no risk of radiation leakage due to Washington’s strikes.
Only “part” of the Fordow facility was attacked, Fars news agency reported.
“Despite the lies of America’s deceitful president, critical infrastructure remains intact. What was hit was mostly on the ground and fully restorable,” said Manan Raeisi, a lawmaker in the Iranian parliament.
“Trump’s bluff about destroying Fordow is laughable. We view this strike as a direct American entry into war. Iran now decides how and when to retaliate,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his “bold decision.”
Trump announced the heavily anticipated US attacks against Iran’s Fordow site and other nuclear facilities early on 22 June.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan … All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump said on social media.
In a televised address, Trump claimed the strikes were a “spectacular military success,” adding that all key nuclear facilities in Iran have been “completely obliterated.”
“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater,” he added.
The attacks were carried out by US B2 stealth bombers. According to a US official cited by New York Times (NYT), bunker buster munitions were used.
According to Amwaj Media, Iran “received prior notice along with a private communication from the US that it does not seek a broader conflict.”
Iran’s ambassador to the UN warned in Geneva on 18 June that Tehran will “respond seriously and strongly” and act “without restraint” if Washington entered the war.
Tehran had previously warned that all US bases in the region were within its reach, and would be targeted if Washington launched an attack against the Islamic Republic.
As the news of Washington’s attacks broke early on Sunday, Iranian ballistic missiles rained down on Haifa and Tel Aviv, causing significant destruction and dozens of injuries.
