Iran warns of ‘radiological disaster’ after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites

BAGHDAD — Iran’s embassy in Baghdad on Sunday warned of a potential radiological catastrophe following Israeli airstrikes that targeted nuclear facilities and killed military officials and scientists, calling the attack “a blatant assault on national sovereignty.”

In a statement, the embassy accused Israel of violating international law by striking facilities monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“The usurping Zionist entity has once again violated international law by targeting nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency and assassinating Iranian military leaders and scientists,” the statement said.

It warned that the assault “not only endangered the lives of innocent civilians but also threatened a potential radiological disaster that could destabilize the region and the entire world.”

The airstrikes were launched June 13 under Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale Israeli military offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and top military leadership. The campaign involved more than 200 aircraft and struck over 100 sites, including major nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Arak.

Statement by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baghdad:

In a blatant assault on national sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Iran, the usurping Zionist entity has once again violated international law by targeting nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency and assassinating Iranian military leaders and scientists, thereby declaring war on the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This aggression not only endangered the lives of innocent civilians but also threatened a potential radiological disaster that could destabilize the region and the entire world.

So far, this brutal attack has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 30 children and dozens of other civilians, either killed or injured. The international community must not turn a blind eye to this heinous crime.

The aggressor Zionist entity is the primary instigator of war, the perpetrator of genocide, and the main provocateur behind this conflict.

In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately initiated a firm and appropriate response in self-defense, targeting more than 150 facilities and military bases belonging to this occupying entity.

The brave Iranian armed forces will not hesitate to pursue the Zionist entity and, God willing, will leave it no path to escape accountability.