Statement on the Unlawful Military Aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran
Our sacred and beloved homeland, proud and civilization-building Iran, has once again been subjected to criminal military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime.
In the early hours of 28 of Feb, on the eve of the new year and on the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan, the United States and the Zionist regime flagrantly violated Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty by launching attacks against several defensive installations, infrastructure, and civilian sites in several cities across our country. This renewed act of military aggression has taken place while Iran and the United States were engaged in a diplomatic process.
Despite being aware of the intentions of the United States and the Zionist regime to carry out yet another act of aggression, we reentered negotiations to demonstrate to the international community and to all nations of the world the legitimacy of the Iranian people’s position and to remove any pretext for unlawful aggression. Today, the people of Iran stand proud, knowing that they did everything in their power to prevent war. Now, however, the time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault. Just as we were prepared for negotiation, we are even more prepared to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to the aggressors with strength and determination.
The airstrikes carried out by the United States and the Zionist regime constitute a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and represent an act of armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Iran has the inherent and legitimate right to self-defense. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will utilize all necessary capabilities and resources to confront this criminal aggression and repel the enemy’s hostile actions.
The Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the grave responsibility of the United Nations and its Security Council to take immediate action in response to the breach of international peace and security caused by this overt military aggression. We call upon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the Security Council, and all Council members to fulfill their duties without delay.
All Member States of the United Nations - particularly regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all governments that
value international peace and security - are expected to unequivocally condemn this act of aggression and to undertake urgent and collective measures to address it. This reckless action has undeniably placed regional and global peace and security under an unprecedented threat.
At this historic and decisive moment, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, inspired by the nation’s proud and heroic heritage, relying on faith in Almighty God and on the strength of national unity, will not hesitate to resolutely defend our beloved homeland.
History bears witness that the Iranian people have never bowed to domination or foreign aggression. This time, too, the response of the Iranian nation will be firm and decisive - and it will cause the aggressors to regret their criminal actions.US