Iran has called on the United Nations to impose punitive measures against the United States and Israel, accusing both of responsibility for the June military strikes that hit several Iranian nuclear facilities. In a formal letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the Security Council, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington bore “criminal responsibility” after US President Donald Trump openly acknowledged that he had ordered Israel’s initial attack on Iran.
Araghchi demanded reparations in the form of restitution and compensation for the damage inflicted, arguing that Trump’s public admission constituted direct evidence of American involvement. He urged the UN to act under international law, saying the strikes amounted to “acts of aggression” for which both countries must be held accountable. Iran claims the attacks resulted in more than 900 deaths, including several senior officials, and marked the beginning of a 12-day air confrontation.
Trump’s comments on November 6, in which he stated that he was “very much in charge” of Israel’s opening strike, have been repeatedly cited by Iranian officials to underline Washington’s operational role, not merely advisory support. Araghchi wrote that these admissions strengthened Iran’s argument that the US had commanded and coordinated actions that Tehran describes as war crimes.
The US mission to the UN and the Secretary-General’s office did not immediately respond to the accusations.
Iran’s appeal comes at a moment when both sides have cautiously indicated readiness for renewed dialogue. Earlier this week, Araghchi’s deputy reiterated Iran’s interest in pursuing a “peaceful nuclear agreement” with the United States, and Trump has previously said Washington is prepared to negotiate “when Tehran is ready.”
Despite these gestures, tensions remain sharply elevated, with Tehran insisting that the UN must respond decisively to what it calls an “unlawful act of war” jointly conducted by Israel and the United States.
