FM: Iran vows strong response, cites right to self-defence against Israel

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran vowed to respond decisively and proportionally to recent Israeli operations, emphasising its right to self-defence under international law. 

In a letter sent to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council, Araghchi condemned Israel and its ally, the United States, for what he described as “blatant violations of international law” with serious consequences, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

“The Israeli regime and its patron, namely the United States, must bear full responsibility for these violations,” Araghchi wrote. “Iran reserves the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and will respond decisively and proportionally to these illegal and cowardly actions.”

In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a strike against Iran, citing growing concerns over its nuclear programme. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to produce several nuclear bombs within days, calling the situation an “imminent threat” that required immediate action.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as a preemptive move, warning that it may be followed by retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and its civilian population in the near future. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would not halt its military campaign until it inflicts significant damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production facilities, and broader military capabilities. Meanwhile,

US President Donald Trump - who had previously threatened Iran with bombing if it refused to negotiate a nuclear deal - commented on June 13 that Iran still has “a second chance” to strike an agreement. He clarified that US forces were not involved in Israel’s operation and emphasized that the strike did not come as a surprise to Washington. Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of choosing escalation and “raising the stakes.” The ministry urged all sides to avoid a full-scale war in the region and stressed that any solution to Iran’s nuclear programme must be found through diplomatic means.

By Naila Huseynova