The United Nations (UN) Security Council held an emergency meeting to address Israel‘s aerial assault on Iran, which destroyed the above-ground enrichment plant at Natanz and resulted in “contamination” according to Rafael Grossi, chief of the UN nuclear watchdog. Grossi emphasized that “nuclear facilities should never be attacked regardless of the context or circumstances, as it could harm both people and the environment”.
Grossi reported radiological and chemical contamination inside the Natanz facility, where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60 percent. However, he added that the contamination is “manageable with appropriate measures”, and the IAEA is ready to send nuclear security experts to help secure the sites if requested. “I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation,” he urged.
UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo also called for restraint, stating that “a peaceful resolution through negotiations remains the best means to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme”. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN ambassador, condemned Israel’s actions, saying they are “pushing the region to a large-scale nuclear catastrophe” and constitute a “gross violation of the UN Charter and international law”.
Iran’s UN Envoy Amir Saeid Iravani described the attacks as a “declaration of war” and promised a “decisive” response. He accused the US of providing Israel with intelligence and political support, saying the US “shares full responsibility” for the consequences. In response, the US representative, McCoy Pitt, defended the strikes as necessary for Israel’s self-defense, warning Iran’s leadership to negotiate or face dire consequences.
Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon justified the attack as “an act of national preservation”, claiming Iran was near producing enough fissile material for multiple bombs. “This operation was carried out because the alternative was unthinkable,” Danon said. Iran’s Iravani responded, affirming Iran’s “inherent right to self-defence” and promising a “decisive and proportionate” response against Israel.