U.S. Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities Draw Sharp Global Reactions at UN Emergency Session

The United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have sent shockwaves through the international community, prompting an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on June 22, 2025. The move, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, involved targeted bombings of three key Iranian nuclear sites — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — and has been labelled by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as a “perilous turn” for the Middle East.

“Perilous Turn in the Middle East” – Antonio Guterres

Addressing the 15-member UN Security Council, Guterres painted a bleak picture of the implications of the strikes. He warned that the Middle East, already fragile from years of political instability and proxy warfare, is now on the brink of a dangerous cycle of military escalation.

“The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling,” Guterres declared in his opening remarks.

He stressed that military retaliation after retaliation could lead to irreparable humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.

“The people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. We now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation. The international community must act immediately and decisively to halt the fighting and resume negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme,” he added.

Non-Proliferation Treaty and Iran’s Obligations

Guterres highlighted the importance of Iran’s continued adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a global cornerstone treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting disarmament.

“Iran must fully respect the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is a cornerstone of international peace and security,” Guterres asserted.

A Choice Between War and Diplomacy

The Secretary-General concluded his address with a stark warning to the international community: the world stands at a critical juncture.

“The world faces a stark choice: descend into a path of war, suffering, and a breakdown of international norms — or choose de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue.”

“We know which path is right. I urge this Council and all Member States to act with reason, restraint, and urgency. We cannot and must not give up on peace.”

IAEA Warns of Nuclear Safety Risks

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also briefed the Council, warning of a sharp degradation in nuclear safety at the attacked sites.

“Though we have not observed any immediate radiological release affecting the public, the situation remains highly volatile,” Grossi said.

He emphasized that armed attacks on nuclear facilities pose enormous risks, not just to the host country but to neighbouring regions as well.

“Armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place. Such actions could cause radioactive fallout with grave consequences both within and beyond the targeted state’s borders.”

Details on the Targeted Sites

The U.S. strikes reportedly hit Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — all of which are central to Iran’s uranium enrichment programme:

• Fordo: Iran’s main site for enriching uranium to 60%, located underground and highly fortified. As of now, the IAEA has reported no visible damage at the facility.

• Natanz: A primary nuclear enrichment centre which has previously been targeted in cyberattacks and suspected sabotage.

• Isfahan: Home to Iran’s uranium conversion facility and research infrastructure.

These sites are integral to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and their targeting is being interpreted by analysts as a decisive but dangerous escalation.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Supertech EV, Valencia India, Neetu Yoshi, Abram Food, PRO FX Tech, Suntech Infra Solutions, Shri Hare-Krishna Sponge Iron, Icon Facilitators, Ace Alpha Tech, Globe Civil Projects, Sambhav Steel Tubes, Ellenbarrie Indutrial Gases, Kalpataru, HDB Financials, AJC Jewel.

The Current active IPO are  Aakaar Medical Technologies, Safe Enterprises Retail Fixtures, Mayasheel Ventures.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst