NEW DELHI, Feb 28 : Terming the US and Israeli attack on Iran a “clear act of military aggression”, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali on Saturday said that Tehran would “exercise its right to self-defence” against such external aggressions.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has once again been attacked by the United States and the Zionist regime,” Fathali said, adding that the strikes took place during the holy month of Ramadan and targeted multiple locations.
“This morning, during the holy month of Ramadan, they violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They attacked targets in several cities, including defence infrastructure and civilian areas,” he said.
Fathali described the attacks as a “clear act of military aggression” and said they occurred while Tehran and Washington were engaged in a diplomatic process over Iran’s nuclear programme. The Ambassador also deplored the attacks at a time the diplomatic process to resolve the differences were on.
Although Iran did not fully trust the claims of the United States about resolving the nuclear issue, still Iran participated in the negotiations, to remove any excuse for war by the US and its partners, he said.
“Despite our doubts, Iran chose to continue negotiations to show the international community that Iran wants peace.” He said Tehran had sought to “remove any excuse for war” and demonstrate that it had acted responsibly, but that the “joint action by the United States and the Zionist regime proves once again that they are not reliable.”
“It shows that their real goal is pressure, threats, and military aggression to secure their own illegitimate interests,” he added.
Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, Fathali said Iran had the lawful right to defend itself. “Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Iran has the lawful right of self-defense. As an independent country, Iran will use all necessary options to protect its territorial integrity, its independence, and the lives of its citizens,” he said.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully prepared. Just as we were ready for negotiation, we are now fully ready for defense.” Fathali reiterated Tehran’s earlier warning that, in the event of military action against it, “all bases and assets of the United States and the Zionist regime in the region will be considered legitimate targets.”
At the same time, he said Iran maintained “friendly relations” with neighbouring and Gulf countries and sought regional stability. “We respect our neighbours and we seek stability in our region. We expect these countries to understand the current situation and to help prevent further escalation by putting pressure on the aggressors,” he said.
Fathali also called on the United Nations and the Security Council to respond. “The violation of international law and the UN Charter must not be ignored. The international community must respond to this dangerous situation, which threatens regional and global peace,” he said.
“At this historic moment, Iran stands united. With faith in God and trust in our national strength, we will firmly defend our homeland. History shows that Iranians never bow to foreign aggression. This time will be no different,” Ambassador Fathali concluded. (UNI)
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