Iran asks UN to hold US accountable for directing Israel's summer strikes

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the United Nations to impose "appropriate measures" against the United States and Israel over military strikes in June against Iran's nuclear sites. Araghchi said that President Donald Trump and other US officials bear "criminal responsibility" for the strikes after Trump's statement last week that he directed Israel's initial attack on Iran on June 13.

In a letter on Wednesday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, Araghchi said Israel and the United States must be subject to reparations, including restitution and compensation for the damage caused in Iran. Spokespersons for the US mission to the UN and for Guterres' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Trump told reporters on Nov 6 that he was "very much in charge" of Israel's initial strike on Iran.

Araghchi said Trump's comment constitutes clear evidence of US control during Iran's 12-day air war with Israel, which Iranian state media says killed more than 900 people, including Iranian military officials.

"This is indeed without prejudice to individual criminal responsibility of all those individuals, including within the Israeli regime, involved in commanding, ordering, committing, or aiding, abetting, and otherwise assisting in the commission of the war crimes," Araghchi said.

The demand for UN action contrasts with recent calls by US and Iranian leaders for a resolution to their decades-long conflict. Araghchi's deputy said earlier this week that Iran wants to reach a peaceful nuclear agreement with the United States.

Trump said last month the United States was prepared to make a deal with Iran when Tehran was ready to do so, adding: "The hand of friendship and co-operation is open."

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