Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a bold statement released earlier today, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has sharply criticized the United States for its recent military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a “barbaric violation” of international law. The statement comes amid escalating tensions following a U.S.-led bombing campaign reported to have targeted key sites, including the fortified Fordo uranium enrichment plant.
Karzai, a prominent figure in Afghan politics who served as president from 2002 to 2014, expressed “deep concern” over the attack, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as a “successful” operation to neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The former Afghan leader emphasized the need for all nations, particularly permanent members of the UN Security Council, to adhere to the UN Charter, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and international legal norms.
“The attack is contrary to the goals and principles of the UN Charter, undermines the spirit of peace, and risks escalating war in the region while jeopardizing global peace and security,” Karzai stated. He urged the United States to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military action, advocating for disputes over Iran’s nuclear program to be resolved through international mediation without resort to force.
The strike, conducted in coordination with Israel according to Israeli officials, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing shadow war between Iran and its regional adversaries. Reports from the BBC indicate that the U.S. used Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) to target multiple nuclear sites, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Iranian officials have confirmed the attacks but downplayed their impact, labeling them a “barbaric violation” of international law.
Karzai also extended solidarity to the people of Iran, a neighboring nation with which Afghanistan shares deep historical and cultural ties. His statement comes as global leaders react to the crisis. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the strike a response to a “grave threat” from Iran’s nuclear program, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a “dangerous escalation.” The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has urged all parties to return to the negotiating table.
The international community remains on edge as the situation unfolds, with Karzai’s intervention adding a significant voice to calls for de-escalation. This development follows years of friction over Iran’s nuclear activities, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reporting Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile surpassing 5,000 kg in 2024—nearly double the amount recorded in 2021.
