Iran’s top diplomat issued a sharp warning on Thursday, declaring that the country will take “special measures” to defend its nuclear facilities if Israeli threats persist. The statement from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi escalates tensions ahead of a scheduled round of talks with the United States in Rome.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations later published Araghchi’s letter, which included a pointed message to Washington.
“In the event of any attack against the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Zionist regime, the government of the United States shall bear legal responsibility, having been complicit therein,” the letter stated.
While Araghchi did not elaborate on the nature of Iran’s potential response, his remarks follow international concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program. Inspectors have already reported reduced access to Iranian facilities, even as the country continues to enrich uranium up to 60% purity — just below the 90% required for weapons-grade material.
“I have called on the international community to take effective preventive measures against the continuation of Israeli threats, which if unchecked, will compel Iran to take special measures in defense of our nuclear facilities and materials,” Araghchi posted on X, formerly Twitter. His message followed a series of letters to United Nations officials.
He added that Iran’s actions would be “proportionate” to any international efforts to prevent threats against its nuclear infrastructure.
Iran also pledged that any changes concerning its nuclear program would be reported to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog.
The warning comes on the heels of a CNN report citing new U.S. intelligence that suggests Israel is preparing for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear targets. While Israel has not confirmed the report, officials — including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — have repeatedly asserted that military action remains an option to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Israel and Iran have maintained a hostile rivalry for decades, with both countries frequently exchanging accusations and threats.
Friday’s upcoming talks in Rome mark the fifth round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reaching a deal under which Tehran would curtail or end uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Representing the U.S. will be Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and State Department policy planning director Michael Anton.
This is developing news and will be updated as more information is available.
This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.
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