Iran Calls for Accountability of Israel and U.S. Over ‘War of Aggression’

At the BRICS summit in Brazil, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a strong warning regarding the recent escalation of conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Araghchi stated that if Israel is not held accountable for its June 13 attack on Iran, it could destabilize the entire region and beyond. He criticized the coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing them as blatant violations of international agreements, particularly the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231. This resolution had previously endorsed Iran’s peaceful nuclear program in 2015 through international consensus.

Araghchi accused the United States of being fully complicit in what he termed a “war of aggression” initiated by Israel. According to him, the U.S.’s active participation, especially by targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, confirmed the American government’s role in escalating the aggression. These remarks came amid a broader diplomatic push by Tehran to gather international support against the attacks.

Iran’s appeal received a notable response from the BRICS+ group, which includes 11 nations. During their meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the BRICS+ countries issued a strong joint statement condemning the Israeli and U.S. military strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian targets. Although the statement did not explicitly name the United States or Israel, it clearly opposed the airstrikes and emphasized that such actions represent violations of international law. The bloc further expressed deep concern about deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.

This unified stance by BRICS+ marks a significant diplomatic win for Tehran, especially at a time when Iran has seen limited regional or global backing. The conflict began on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched a surprise and large-scale military operation targeting multiple sites across Iran, including military installations, nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, and even civilian areas. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 935 Iranian citizens and left 5,332 injured, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.

Following these devastating strikes, Iran retaliated by launching a series of missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets. According to data provided by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, these counterattacks killed at least 29 individuals and injured more than 3,400 people in Israel. The tit-for-tat exchange raised alarms across the globe, sparking fears of a broader regional war.

Fortunately, the hostilities were brought to a halt through a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which came into effect on June 24, 2025. As of now, the ceasefire continues to hold, providing temporary relief to both nations and the international community.

Overall, the episode marks one of the most serious confrontations between Iran and Israel in recent years, with the United States playing a central role. The BRICS+ statement of solidarity with Iran may shift global diplomatic dynamics, and Tehran is likely to leverage this support in future negotiations or forums to demand accountability and uphold its sovereignty. The situation, however, remains volatile, and long-term peace will depend on sustained diplomatic engagement and adherence to international norms.