UN chief reveals critical next move to avoid ‘catastrophic consequences’ after US bombs three major nuclear sites in Iran

A United Nations chief has detailed the critical next move that needs to happen to avoid ‘catastrophic consequences’ after the US fired missiles at three major nuclear sites in Iran.

President Donald Trump ordered an attack on Iran's key nuclear facilities overnight, with the president declaring the mission a 'success'.

The POTUS addressed the nation after the US had launched an assault on the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites, amid growing concerns of Iran's nuclear plans.

Trump said: "Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success."

Donald Trump addressed the nation after the missiles were launched (Carlos Barria - Pool/Getty Images)

It remains unclear at this stage the exact damage caused by the US attack, including whether there are any injuries or even deaths.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister took to Twitter shortly after the attack and said: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations."

The government minister went on to say Iran 'reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people'.

António Guterres, the UN's secretary general, has also spoken out following the missile strike and has detailed what must happen next to avoid tensions heightening further.

He said: "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

The UN chief has detailed what must happen next (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

"There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the @‌UN Charter and other rules of international law.

"At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace."

Iran has been accused of attempting to develop a nuclear warhead by mining large quantities of uranium before enriching it.

Israel subsequently conducted strikes in Tehran, the Iranian capital, an effort that had not involved US involvement up until now.

In retaliation, Iran has fired back its own missiles, hence the situation we are in now.