UN Security Council to hold emergency session on US strikes in Iran later Sunday

ISTANBUL

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session Sunday at 1900GMT following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, after Tehran formally requested the meeting.

Iran's UN delegation submitted a letter on late Saturday in US time, calling for immediate action under the UN Charter framework to address American attacks on three nuclear sites using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles.

The letter emphasized holding "the perpetrators of these heinous crimes fully accountable" to prevent such acts from going unpunished.

"In light of the grave and far-reaching consequences of the United States' savage and criminal actions for international peace and security, the Islamic Republic of Iran urgently requests the Security Council to convene an emergency meeting without delay," wrote Iran's UN Permanent Representative Amir Saeid Iravani.

Iran called for the Council to "condemn it in the strongest possible terms" and take necessary measures under Charter responsibilities.

The US targeted Iran's Fordo facility with six bunker-buster bombs dropped by B-2 stealth bombers, while submarine-launched cruise missiles struck the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.

The emergency session will address what Iran characterizes as a "blatant and unlawful act of aggression" against its nuclear infrastructure.

Hostilities between Tehran and Tel Aviv broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.