Iran vows 'appropriate action' after US hits nuclear plant

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi vowed Sunday to take "appropriate action" in response to a US attack on the Darkhovin nuclear facility under construction in southwestern Khuzestan province, according to Anadolu Agency. Speaking on the social media platform X, he stated: "The US attack on the Darkhovin power plant, which is under construction, constitutes a dangerous assault on Iran’s peaceful infrastructure."

He added that Washington bears "full responsibility for the consequences of escalating insecurity and instability." The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization confirmed earlier that US strikes had targeted the Darkhovin plant, which sits near the border with Iraq.

Escalation despite peace deal

The attack marks the latest escalation in a series of exchanges between Washington and Tehran that have intensified since February. The two nations signed a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending hostilities and reaching a lasting peace agreement, yet military operations have continued unabated.

Both sides have traded strikes on facilities and military bases across the region, with Tehran targeting installations it says are used by US forces in several countries. The ongoing exchanges have undermined diplomatic efforts to secure a durable ceasefire.

Defiance and retaliation

Gharibabadi emphasized that Tehran would not stand idle in the face of aggression. "Iran strongly condemns this aggression and will take appropriate action to defend its national interests and security," he said.

The exchanges of fire come as regional powers urge restraint. Sunday's strike on civilian nuclear infrastructure represents a significant expansion of targeting beyond military assets, with potential implications for regional energy security and non-proliferation efforts.