Iran decries attacks, vows response as it appeals to Security Council

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned US and Israeli military aggression against the Islamic Republic, accusing Washington and Israel of launching airstrikes on defense infrastructure and civilian sites in several cities.

In a statement, the ministry said the attacks constituted a “flagrant violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and breached Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

Tehran said the strikes took place while Iran and the United States were engaged in a diplomatic process, adding that it had entered negotiations despite doubts about US and Israeli intentions in order to demonstrate its commitment to avoiding war.

“The time has come to defend the homeland,” the statement said, adding that Iran’s armed forces would respond “with full power” under what it described as its legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The ministry called on the United Nations and the Security Council to take immediate action over what it described as a clear act of armed aggression, and urged UN member states, particularly countries in the region and members of the Non-Aligned Movement, to condemn the strikes.