Iranian FM discusses US attacks on nuclear sites with French, Italian counterparts

TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has exchanged views with his Italian and French counterparts on the US attacks against Iran's nuclear facilities.

In separate phone calls, Araghchi strongly condemned the US "aggression" against the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on Saturday, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday.

In his phone call with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday morning, Araghchi emphasized that the international community, specifically the European Union, "should react explicitly" to such an "aggression," stressing that Iran reserved the right to use all options within the framework of its legitimate right to self-defense.

Tajani expressed regret over the escalation in the region following the US attack, calling on all sides to return to diplomacy.

Speaking to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Sunday night, Araghchi said the US military action violated all international laws and regulations, above all the United Nations Charter, stressing that silence and inaction in the face of the "aggression" would have consequences for all states.

The French foreign minister, for his part, expressed regret over the US attack, denying any involvement by France in planning and carrying out the "aggression."

He voiced deep concern about the escalation of tensions in the West Asia region following the US military action, calling for continued dialogue between Europe and Iran.

US President Donald Trump announced Saturday his country's attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites.