Share Story
TEHRAN — Iran on Thursday accused the UN's nuclear watchdog of acting as a "partner" in what it described as Israel's "war of aggression".
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran in a report prior to the start of the Iran-Israel war of non-compliance with its obligations in its nuclear programme.
"You betrayed the non-proliferation regime; You've made IAEA a partner to this unjust war of aggression," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X, in a post addressed to the head of the agency, Rafael Grossi.
Iran's deputy foreign minister warned the United States on Thursday against intervening in the war to back up its ally Israel, adding that his country was ready to defend itself in case of escalation.
"If the United States wants to actively enter the field in favour of the Zionist regime, Iran will have to use its tools to both teach a lesson to aggressors and defend its national security and national interests," said deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to state TV.
"Naturally, our military decision makers have all the necessary options on the table," he added.
China said Thursday it opposed the "use of force", in response to a question about US President Donald Trump warning he was weighing US military action in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Beijing "opposes any act that... infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries, and opposes the use or threat of use of force in international relations", foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.