Iran tells UN: US must compensate for Israeli strikes on nuclear sites

Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, has sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council chair, accusing the US of playing a central and operational role in Israel’s “aggression” against Iran.

By "aggression", Iravani referred to Israel's large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities in June 2025, which Tehran claims caused significant damage and civilian casualties.

In the letter, Iravani emphasised that Iran “reserves the full and indisputable right” to pursue all lawful measures to establish a mechanism to hold those responsible accountable and to obtain full compensation for damages, per IRNA.

The diplomat stated that Israel’s actions, “coordinated by the United States,” violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and contravene Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. He also stressed that the United States “is obliged to compensate for all damages, including material and moral losses.”

Iravani warned that acknowledging U.S. involvement could trigger individual criminal responsibility for officials involved in serious violations of international humanitarian law, including the crime of aggression.

He reiterated that Iran intends to use all available legal avenues to ensure accountability and secure compensation for the consequences of the incident.

The strikes, codenamed Operation Rising Lion by Israel, targeted key Iranian nuclear sites (Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan), IRGC bases, and missile production facilities. Israel described the operation as a "preemptive" measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing intelligence of an imminent breakthrough. The attacks involved over 200 aircraft, including F-35 stealth fighters, and destroyed an estimated 40–50% of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles and centrifuge capacity.

Iran reported 224 deaths (including 78 civilians) and over 1,200 injuries. Material losses were estimated at $35–50 billion, including the destruction of the Natanz enrichment hall and damage to Fordow's underground facility.

By Khagan Isayev