'Confusing': Akhilesh Yadav slams Centre's foreign policy; 'world looks at who you stand with in bad time'
Samajwadi Party chief
Akhilesh Yadav
on Sunday criticised the BJP-led central government for what he called a 'confusing' foreign policy, questioning India's stand as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, Yadav said, 'Our foreign policy is confusing... The world looks at who you stand with in bad times. If you are not standing with your friend, who once did a favour for you, it is a big betrayal of the foreign policy.'
His remarks came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had carried out 'massive precision' strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump also warned of further retaliation if regional peace was not restored.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that three sites, including Iran's underground Fordow enrichment facility, had been hit in the strikes. However, the agency said there had been no reported rise in off-site radiation levels.
'Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran -- including Fordow -- the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time,' the agency said, adding that further assessments would be provided as more information comes to light.
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In response, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) condemned the attacks as a breach of international law and vowed to continue the country's nuclear programme.
Iran's nuclear sites were 'subjected to savage aggression—an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT,' the AEOI said in a strongly worded statement. It accused the IAEA of showing 'indifference' and even 'complicity' in the attack.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation, calling Trump's decision to strike Iranian facilities one that will change history.
With the conflict now in its tenth day, India is continuing evacuation efforts for its citizens in Iran, with several special flights planned in the coming days to bring back nationals stranded in the conflict zone.
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