Iran urges UN to act on Israeli threats against nuclear sites, says US shares blame

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United Nations to respond to Israeli threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning that Tehran will take “special measures” to defend its infrastructure if necessary.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the UN Security Council president, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, Araghchi cited a recent CNN report that said US intelligence indicates Israel is preparing for possible attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

“Iran will take all necessary measures to protect and defend its citizens, interests, and facilities against any terrorist or sabotage actions,” Araghchi wrote. “As in the past, we strongly warn the Israeli regime against any adventurism, and Iran will respond decisively to any threats or violations.”

A CNN report this week cited US intelligence officials quoted as saying military movements had been observed suggesting a potential attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in addition to intercepted communications.

Araghchi added that Iran considers the United States responsible for any potential Israeli attack, understanding that any such operation would need the tacit approval of Washington. “In the event of any strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the US government will share responsibility,” he said.

Araghchi reiterated Iran's position, in which it maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and fully under IAEA monitoring, and cited multiple UN and IAEA resolutions prohibiting attacks on civilian nuclear infrastructure.

He warned that, in light of ongoing threats, “the Islamic Republic of Iran will be compelled to adopt special protective measures for its nuclear facilities and materials,” with details to be shared with the IAEA in due course.

Araghchi flags US intel leak on Israeli threats 'alarming'

Following the letter, Araghchi reiterated his message in a post on X, calling it a “serious pre-action warning.”

“Threats from the rogue Israeli regime are nothing new,” he wrote. “But the recent leak citing US officials as divulging Israeli plans for an unlawful attack on Iran and its nuclear facilities is alarming and warrants immediate and serious condemnation from the UN Security Council and the IAEA.”

He added: “The nature, content, and extent of our actions will correspond and be proportionate to preventive measures taken by these international bodies.”

Separately, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that Israel would face a “devastating and decisive response” if it attacked Iran. “They are trying to frighten us with war but are miscalculating, as they are unaware of the powerful popular and military support the Islamic Republic can muster in war conditions,” Guards spokesperson Alimohammad Naini said, according to state media.