Brazil condemns Israeli and US attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran
The Brazilian government views the military escalation in the Middle East with grave concern and “vehemently” condemns military attacks by Israel and, more recently, the United States against nuclear facilities, which it considers a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday (Jun. 22).
“Any armed attack on nuclear facilities represents a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the norms of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Such actions pose a serious threat to the life and health of civilian populations, exposing them to the risk of radioactive contamination and large-scale environmental disasters,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Brazil reiterates its historic position in favor of the exclusive use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and “firmly” rejects any form of nuclear proliferation, especially in regions marked by geopolitical instability, such as the Middle East.
The Brazilian government also condemns reciprocal attacks on densely populated areas, which have resulted in a growing number of casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure—including hospitals, which are specifically protected under international humanitarian law, the document noted.
“In reiterating its call for maximum restraint by all parties involved in the conflict, Brazil stresses the urgent need for a diplomatic solution that can break this cycle of violence and open the way for peace negotiations. The negative consequences of the current military escalation could cause irreversible damage to peace and stability in the region and the world, as well as to the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime,” added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Conflict
Accusing Iran of being close to developing a nuclear weapon, Israel launched a surprise attack on the country on June 13, escalating the conflict in the Middle East.
On Saturday (21), the United States attacked three Iranian nuclear plants: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
Iran claims that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes and that it was engaged in negotiations with the United States to establish agreements ensuring compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory.
However, IAEA has accused Iran of not fulfilling all its obligations, while acknowledging that it has no evidence the country is building an atomic bomb. Iran accuses the agency of acting in a “politically motivated” manner and being influenced by Western powers such as the US, France, and Great Britain, which have supported Israel in the war against Tehran.
In March, the US intelligence sector stated that Iran was not building nuclear weapons—a claim now being questioned by President Donald Trump himself.
Although Israel does not accept that Tehran possesses nuclear weapons, multiple sources over the years have indicated that the country has maintained a large secret nuclear program since the 1950s. This program is believed to have developed at least 90 atomic warheads.
