Iran Condemns U.S. Strikes, Warns of Long‑Term Consequences

By Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka

Iran has delivered a fierce rebuke following a U.S.-led airstrike targeting its core nuclear facilities, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Described by Iranian officials as a “heinous crime,” the attack has triggered a stern warning from Tehran of “everlasting” consequences, with high-stakes diplomacy now on pause.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivers a speech during a press conference at the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 22, 2025

Iran’s Strong Response

At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the strikes as a blatant breach of Iran's sovereignty and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, calling the act a "heinous crime" carried out in reckless alliance with Israel. He demanded an emergency session of the Security Council, underscoring that "silence in the face of such blatant aggression would plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos".

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the condemnation, branding the U.S. as the "primary instigator" and asserting that diplomatic channels are essentially closed following the attack.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

Operation “Midnight Hammer”

According to U.S. and Western media, the strikes code-named Operation Midnight Hammer involved the deployment of B‑2 stealth bombers, Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, Tomahawk missiles, and support from allied forces. The U.S. asserts that the airstrikes “completely obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

U.S. Justification and Prior Warning

President Trump hailed the operation on social media and during a statement from the White House, calling it a "very successful" and "spectacular military success," while warning Iran against any retaliation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further stressed that the strike was a calibrated effort aimed at Iran’s nuclear infrastructure not its government and urged Tehran to pursue diplomatic engagement.

President Donald Trump

Global Alarm and Reactions

The attack has prompted widespread concern:

• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called the action a “perilous turn” and urged restraint.
• European Powers: Germany, France, and the UK expressed alarm at the strike while reaffirming Iran’s nuclear ambitions posed significant threats. These leaders urged negotiation instead of renewed violence.
• Regional Flashpoints: Iran’s parliament is reportedly considering closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, heightening fears of broader economic and security disruption.

What Comes Next

With diplomacy shelved and missile threats already flying across the region, the possibility of a wider Middle East conflict looms large. Iran has signaled it may respond through asymmetrical means potentially targeting U.S. interests via proxies like Hezbollah or disrupting vital sea lanes.

Onza News will continue to monitor developments as the U.N. convenes an emergency session and global leaders scramble to avert a full-scale escalation.