Khamenei’s Senior Adviser: U.S. Must Compensate for Iran Strike 'Crime'

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iran has vowed to take legal and diplomatic action against the United States following airstrikes on its nuclear facilities, which Tehran condemned as a violation of international law and national sovereignty. The warning came on Friday in a strongly worded statement by Ali-Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in which he accused the U.S. of committing an “unacceptable crime” and demanded full compensation for what he described as both “material and spiritual damage.”

Velayati’s remarks, published by Iran’s official news agency IRNA, follow a dramatic escalation in regional tensions after U.S. forces launched targeted strikes on multiple Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The assault, which coincided with heightened hostilities across the Middle East, was widely interpreted as a warning to Tehran over its nuclear ambitions.

In a statement invoking international legal norms, Velayati declared that “the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns this unjust military aggression,” holding Washington responsible for the attack. “The U.S. government must take action to compensate for material and spiritual damage and be accountable,” he said. He added that the strikes violated Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and Security Council Resolution 2231.

He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program remains entirely peaceful and subject to continuous monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “Nevertheless, some European governments, instead of differentiating between Iran’s legitimate rights and its enemies’ illegal activities, with their silence and sometimes support have sided with America and the Zionist regime,” Velayati noted.

The statement came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump made blunt remarks about the strikes aboard Air Force One during a July 4 flight to New Jersey. Speaking to reporters, Trump confirmed the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and said they had been “totally demolished.” “If they were to do it again, they might as well start in a different location because that location is totally demolished,” Trump said. “They could start, but I would think they’d have to start in a different location. But if they did start, there’d be a problem. We wouldn’t allow that to happen.”

Trump praised the operation as a “great success,” stating, “It was blown to pieces… I would say it’s set back, permanently.” Asked whether Iran’s refusal to accept international inspections made any future talks premature, the president replied, “Let’s see what it is. They wanna meet with me. So if they haven’t agreed, then we’re not gonna have a very successful meeting.”

Responding to questions about whether the U.S. might offer any compensation to Iran for the damages inflicted, Trump dismissed the notion outright. “I think it’s pretty ridiculous. Yeah. I would say maybe very ridiculous.”

Trump also revealed details of a recent meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, who reportedly delivered messages of congratulations from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “They congratulated us on the incredible attack on Iran,” Trump said. “It was an attack on something that you can’t have — the nuclear facility. It’s been proven now that it’s been totally obliterated.”

The escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions has fueled concerns across the region. While the U.S. maintains that the strikes were a necessary response to Iran’s alleged nuclear activities, Tehran insists it has adhered to its international obligations and has been unfairly targeted.

Velayati concluded his statement by declaring Iran’s unwavering determination to continue its scientific and technological progress. “The Iranian nation has always stood against pressure, threats, and aggression, and will never surrender,” he said. “No power can stop the Iranian nation from reaching its legitimate rights.”

The developments underline an intensifying confrontation between Tehran and Washington, with the possibility of further escalation looming as both sides trade threats, and as regional allies—including Israel and Saudi Arabia—align closely with Washington's strategic posture. Iran’s call for international accountability may now test the willingness of global institutions to act amid mounting geopolitical tensions.