Iran FM Araghchi accuses West of hypocrisy as Bushehr nuke plant is targeted again
Tehran, April 4
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday slammed what he termed as Western 'double standards' over attacks on the Islamic Republic's Bushehr Nuclear power plant for the fourth time since the beginning of the conflict in West Asia, drawing comparisons in the difference in reactions by the West to hostilities near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant amid the Ukraine-Russia war.
In a post on X, Araghchi warned that any radioactive fallout from such strikes could have severe regional consequences, particularly for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, while asserting that the attacks reflect broader strategic intentions.
"Remember the Western outrage about hostilities near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine? Israel-U.S. have bombed our Bushehr plant four times now. Radioactive fallout will end life in GCC capitals, not Tehran. Attacks on our petrochemicals also convey real objectives," he stated.
This comes after a projectile struck near the perimeter of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday morning, leading to the death of one security personnel member, according to the Iranian News Agency, Tasnim.
According to the Tasnim news agency, the incident did not damage the main parts of the plant, but it did damage an auxiliary building. The production is reported to be unaffected, as claimed by the news agency.
Bushehr is located in southern Iran on the Persian Gulf and is the country's first commercial nuclear power station.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also referred to the US-Israeli airstrikes targeting six petrochemical facilities in Iran.
According to Press TV, at least five people were injured in those airstrikes targeting six petrochemical facilities in the country's southwestern Khuzestan province.
Meanwhile, in a separate post, Araghchi called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict, describing it as an "illegal war" imposed on Iran.
The Iranian minister also signalled Tehran's openness to engagement while emphasising the need for a durable resolution to the conflict.
"Iran's position is being misrepresented by U.S. media. We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us," he stated in another post on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is terrifying. A radioactive disaster in the Persian Gulf would be a catastrophe for the whole region, including India. Our energy security and the safety of millions of Indians working in the GCC are directly linked to stability there. All sides need to show restraint.
While the hypocrisy is clear, Iran's own actions in the region can't be ignored. They support proxies that destabilize areas. It's a complex mess, but attacking a nuclear facility is crossing a red line for everyone. Hope Pakistan's diplomatic efforts bear fruit 🤞
The minister's statement about fallout affecting GCC capitals more than Tehran feels like a threat disguised as a warning. It's irresponsible rhetoric. The focus should be on de-escalation and protecting civilian infrastructure, not geopolitical point-scoring.
India has vital interests with all parties involved - Iran, US, Israel, GCC. We need to walk a tightrope. Our foreign policy should actively push for dialogue. Chaos in West Asia means higher oil prices and security threats for us. Time for quiet diplomacy.
Fourth time? And they only damaged an auxiliary building? Either someone is incredibly lucky or someone is incredibly inaccurate. Either way, playing with fire. Literally.
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