By Ashiru Taofeek Adewale
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a stark warning, accusing the United States and Israel of launching “criminal military aggression” against its territory and vowing a “firm and decisive” response from its armed forces.
In an official statement released earlier today, the ministry claimed that the attacks targeted both defensive infrastructure and civilian locations in several cities, describing the strikes as a flagrant violation of the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
According to the statement, the alleged military action occurred on the eve of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, and on the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan. The ministry specifically blamed what it referred to as the “Zionist regime” (Israel) and the United States for carrying out the air strikes.
“This morning, the United States and the Zionist regime flagrantly violated Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty by attacking a number of targets,” the ministry’s statement read.
The announcement comes with a significant diplomatic dimension. Iran asserted that the alleged attacks took place while it was engaged in a diplomatic process with the United States. Tehran stated that it had re-entered negotiations despite being aware of purported intentions to carry out military action. The ministry framed this diplomatic engagement as an effort to “exhaust all arguments before the international community” and demonstrate “the righteousness of the Iranian nation and the illegitimacy of any pretext for aggression.”
The ministry maintained that the Iranian people “did everything necessary to prevent war,” adding that “now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault.” It declared that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are “more prepared than ever to defend Iran’s sovereignty” and will respond decisively, using “all their capabilities and resources.”
In its statement, Iran sought to ground its position in international law, arguing that the attacks constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any state. Tehran described the strikes as “a clear act of armed aggression” and asserted its “lawful and legitimate right under Article 51 of the UN Charter” to respond in self-defense.
Beyond its military vow, Iran is launching a diplomatic offensive. It has called on the United Nations and its Security Council to take “immediate action” to address what it termed a breach of international peace and security. The ministry specifically urged the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council, and all council members to fulfill their responsibilities without delay.
Furthermore, Tehran appealed to all UN member states, with a particular emphasis on regional and Islamic countries, as well as members of the Non-Aligned Movement, to “strongly condemn this act of aggression” and to take urgent and collective measures in response.
Describing the current moment as “historic and decisive,” the ministry’s statement concluded with a defiant message: “History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed to foreign aggression. This time, too, the response of the Iranian nation will be firm and decisive.”
There has been no immediate confirmation or comment from U.S. or Israeli officials regarding the alleged strikes. The situation remains highly volatile, with international attention now focused on the region and the potential for a significant escalation.
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