Diplomacy Collapses as Tehran Warns of Irreversible Consequences After U.S. Strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a sharp rebuke on Sunday, calling the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites a dangerous crossing of all “red lines,” accusing Washington of destroying any prospects for diplomacy. Speaking at a news conference in Istanbul, Araghchi said, “There is no red line they have not crossed. The attack on nuclear facilities was the most dangerous one yet.”
The overnight U.S. strikes marked a major escalation in the Israel-Iran war, with American forces targeting key Iranian nuclear sites at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz using powerful bunker-buster bombs. Satellite images reviewed by independent analysts show visible damage to the mountain shielding Fordo, with debris scattered across the once-brown slopes—confirming the deep penetration strikes.
 |
| Image Source: Araghchi on X |
Iran has yet to release a full damage assessment, but the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no significant off-site radiation release so far. The strikes follow nine days of Israeli operations against Iranian military assets, with Israel requesting U.S. assistance to target deeply buried sites beyond its own military capabilities.
In response, Araghchi announced plans to travel to Moscow for urgent consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming Iran’s “strategic partnership” with Russia. The move underscores the growing international dimensions of the conflict.
“The warmongering, lawless administration in Washington is solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences of this aggression,” Araghchi added. He further stated on social media that ongoing diplomatic efforts with both the U.S. and Europe have now collapsed: “Last week Israel blew up diplomacy with the U.S.; this week the U.S. blew up diplomacy with the EU.”
Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy.
What conclusion would you draw?
To Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must "return"…
The United Nations Security Council faces growing pressure to act. Iran’s ambassador to the UN has demanded an emergency meeting, accusing the U.S. of violating international law and the UN Charter.
The International Committee of the Red Cross also issued a stark warning: “The world cannot absorb limitless war. This escalation risks engulfing the region and the world in irreversible consequences,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric.
Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it launched 40 missiles at Israel, including the advanced Khorramshahr-4 capable of carrying multiple warheads. In retaliation, Israel targeted Iran’s aging air fleet, destroying F-5 fighter jets stationed at Dezful airport. Israel had previously struck Iranian F-14s earlier in the conflict.
The broader Gulf region is now on heightened alert. Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, urged residents to avoid main roads citing "recent developments in the regional security situation.”
Even Washington’s closest allies are concerned. Britain’s Cabinet Minister Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the U.K. was notified of the U.S. strikes but emphasized London’s non-participation. “We are preparing for all eventualities,” he stated.
The conflict’s rapid escalation now threatens to spiral into an uncontrollable regional war, even as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal: “There is a growing risk this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”