Iran warns US of legal liability in case of Israeli attack on nuclear facilities

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi declared that the United States would bear legal responsibility if Israel launches an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, amid reports of potential Israeli military action and ongoing nuclear negotiations in Rome.

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araqchi issued a stern warning on Thursday following a CNN report suggesting that Israel might be preparing strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He stated that Tehran would hold Washington accountable as a “participant” in any such attack and would take “special measures” to protect its nuclear infrastructure.

Iran and the United States, Israel’s closest ally, are scheduled to hold their fifth round of nuclear talks on Friday in Rome, despite deep disagreements over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Washington insists that Iran’s enrichment could enable nuclear weapons development, a claim Tehran denies.

CNN cited intelligence sources indicating uncertainty within the US and Israeli administrations about whether Israel has finalized any decision on military action against Iran.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Araqchi condemned what he described as “adventurism” by Israel and promised a decisive response to any unlawful acts. He also suggested that Iran would inform the International Atomic Energy Agency of any measures taken to safeguard its nuclear materials.

An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader previously hinted that Tehran could suspend cooperation with the IAEA or relocate enriched material to undisclosed locations if threats persist.

The Revolutionary Guards echoed the warning, with spokesperson Alimohammad Naini declaring that Israel would face a “devastating and decisive response” if it attacks Iran, dismissing Israeli threats as miscalculations.

Diplomats suggest that if US-Iran negotiations collapse or produce a deal that fails to ease Israel’s security concerns, Israel could consider military strikes on its regional rival.

Speaking on state television Thursday, Araqchi criticized US demands to end uranium enrichment entirely, stating that such a condition would make a deal impossible. While open to the idea of an international consortium overseeing enrichment, he emphasized that Iran would not relinquish enrichment activities on its own soil.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier described US demands to halt enrichment as “excessive and outrageous” and expressed skepticism about the success of the talks.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian use only. Araqchi reiterated that while Iran has the capability to build nuclear weapons, it lacks the intent to do so.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated in the past year, including exchanges of fire in April and October, increasing fears of a broader regional conflict.

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