Iran’s Demand for Compensation After US Airstrikes
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi has reached out to the United Nations, urging international organizations to assist Tehran in seeking reparations for damages incurred from US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. This communication was made on Sunday, reflecting the paused nuclear deal discussions with the United States.
The official Iranian news outlet, Presstv, reported that in his letter, Araguchi emphasized the responsibility of the Security Council to hold what he termed “invaders,” specifically referencing Israel and the US, accountable for conducting violent actions against Iranian sites. According to the letter, these attacks are considered “heinous and serious crimes.”
Araguchi’s demand includes formal recognition from the Security Council that both Israel and the US instigated these attacks and are therefore liable for damages. However, the letter does not specify what form these reparations should take or the amount that would be sought.
“The Security Council must ensure that aggressors are accountable and take steps to prevent future crimes,” Araguchi wrote. He further claimed that political leaders in those nations bear personal responsibility under international law for acts of aggression.
Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated Araguchi’s claims in a press conference, labeling the US and Israel’s actions as “aggression” against Iran. He stressed the importance of recognizing these aggressors officially and called for the Security Council to act.
On June 13, Israel announced a military operation intended to mitigate the risk of nuclear threats from Iran. During this operation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran of concealing several nuclear enrichment sites. Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” led to the elimination of prominent Iranian military and scientific figures, including Major General Hossain Salami of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Following an attack on June 21, the US carried out airstrikes against key Iranian nuclear facilities, with President Donald Trump claiming significant destruction of those sites. IAEA head Grossi mentioned that Fordow’s uranium centrifuges were believed to be inoperable, though access for IAEA inspectors has been restricted.
Iran has retaliated against these actions by targeting Israeli sites, including civilian areas, resulting in casualties. However, the effectiveness of these strikes against Israel’s military remains unclear, with documented attacks hitting hospitals.
In his comments, Araguchi highlighted that discussions about a return to diplomatic talks with the US seem unlikely, as compensation for the damages has now become a pressing topic. This came shortly after Iran sought reparations following the 2020 targeted killing of General Qasem Soleimani, who played a significant role in orchestrating attacks against US personnel.
A Tehran court previously ruled that Trump and his administration should pay Iran $50 billion for the airstrikes. Yet, that ruling has not been enforced, primarily due to individuals involved not traveling to Iran.
Sa’eed Iravani, Iran’s UN representative, stated that Tehran is currently uninterested in negotiations with Washington, emphasizing that talks should be reciprocal rather than demands from one side. He suggested that unconditional surrender was not a valid basis for negotiations.
Trump, shortly before approving the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, had called for Iranian concessions in its conflict with Israel. Iravani also reiterated Iran’s commitment to its nuclear development program, which includes uranium enrichment, indicating that any agreement to lift sanctions would necessitate a halt to these activities.
Despite ongoing tensions, the Iranian stance centers on a belief in their right to pursue nuclear advancements, arguing that it is an inalienable right.
