Iranian FM slams Israeli-US attacks in call with EU foreign policy chief

TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, during which he condemned what he described as "military aggression" by Israel and the United States against Iran, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

In the phone call, Araghchi said the Iranian people decisively defended their country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty against the Israeli-US "aggression," which he said had severely undermined diplomacy, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 -- the resolution endorsing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

He criticized certain European countries and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi for their positions, particularly during the recent adoption of an anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.

Araghchi warned that the continuation of that "destructive" approach by certain European countries would further complicate the situation and obstruct diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation.

Kallas, for her part, stressed that there was no evidence indicating that the development of Iran's atomic program was for making nuclear weapons.

She highlighted the necessity to find a diplomatic solution to resolve Iran's nuclear issue and support ongoing efforts to de-escalate tension and ensure stability in the West Asia region.

On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.

On June 22, US forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran struck the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24.