On Sunday, Iran lashed out at former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of betraying both international diplomacy and American citizens following recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran issued the strong condemnation amid rising global tensions following one of the most significant U.S. military operations ever in this region.
Iranian officials condemned Trump’s endorsement of strikes and blamed him for sparking a conflict that threatens global peace. Their statement read, in part: “Donald Trump has once again proven that he is no friend to diplomacy; instead he has shown himself to be nothing short of destructive. His reckless interference has betrayed American voters who elected another path, as well as years of careful negotiations between Iran and international community.”
Trump made these statements following his confirmation at a political rally of his support for U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan over the weekend. While President Joe Biden remains commander-in-chief for this operation, Trump applauded it by saying it needed to send “a message” to Tehran – comments which blurred between campaign rhetoric and military strategy, leading to sharp criticism both from Iranian as well as international officials alike.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian responded to Trump’s statements with criticism against their political exploitation of war. According to Iran media, Amir-Abdollahian stated this was not only an attack against Iran but an assault against diplomacy and democratic accountability in America as well. Iran will not be intimidated by political actors who seek to ignite war for votes and vote gains, according to him.
Satellite imagery and defense analysts reported that Iran was hit hard by airstrikes targeting its nuclear infrastructure, causing significant damage. Though Iranian authorities maintain their program remains intact, independent assessments suggest the attacks may have delayed enrichment activities by several months.
Iranian leaders warned of how continued U.S. aggression could effectively close off any possibility for diplomacy: “Trump’s actions have emboldened radicals on both sides and discussions are closing rapidly,” according to a senior Iranian official.
International response to Iran-U.S. political fallout has been swift. European Union officials voiced concern over what they described as the politicization of military power; United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called upon both Iran and U.S. to stop further provocations and renew diplomatic efforts.
Trump’s remarks in the United States have caused political outrage, with critics alleging that public support of military operations during an election campaign undermines American foreign policy as a whole. Democratic lawmakers have requested congressional briefings regarding his influence or role in shaping military decisions.
Iran has requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council and is in discussions with allies like Russia and China regarding potential diplomatic and economic countermeasures to take.
As Iran claims the strikes to be a violation of diplomacy and democratic values of the U.S., their full ramifications are unknown–yet any further escalation remains possible in the region.