The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has condemned what it described as “criminal military aggression” by the United States and Israel against Iran, accusing the two countries of violating its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
In a statement addressed to the Iranian people, the ministry said airstrikes were carried out on multiple targets, including defensive infrastructure and civilian locations in several cities. The attacks reportedly took place on the eve of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, and during the holy month of Ramadan.
Tehran said the strikes occurred while Iran and the United States were engaged in a diplomatic process, arguing that it had re-entered negotiations to demonstrate its commitment to peace and to remove any justification for military action. “The people of Iran can hold their heads high, knowing that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” the statement said.
The government vowed that its armed forces would respond decisively. It described the attacks as a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Iran said it considers retaliation to be its lawful right under Article 51 of the Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defense.
The statement also 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. Iran urged the UN Secretary-General and member states—particularly regional and Islamic countries, as well as members of the Non-Aligned Movement—to condemn the strikes and take collective measures in response.
Framing the moment as historic and decisive, the ministry said Iran’s armed forces would rely on national strength and what it described as divine support in defending the country’s sovereignty. It concluded by asserting that Iran would not yield to foreign pressure and that its response would be “firm and decisive.”
