Iran defends military strikes as legitimate self-defense

Iran's Foreign Ministry has asserted that its recent military operations constitute a legitimate exercise of self-defense against ongoing aggression from the United States and Israel. Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on social media that Iran did not initiate hostilities and acted strictly within the bounds of international law.

Baqaei responded to concerns raised by a United Nations spokesperson regarding Iran's attacks on U.S. military bases and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterized the actions not as a "military confrontation" but as a "continuation of a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression" initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

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This is not a ‘military confrontation.’ It is the continuation of a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression initiated on February 28 by the United States and Israel.

"Iran does not ‘attack.’ Iran’s strikes on U.S. military bases and assets stationed in the southern Persian Gulf constitute a legitimate and lawful exercise of its inherent right to self-defense under international law," Baqaei stated, according to ANTARA news agency.

Furthermore, Baqaei issued a warning to regional nations hosting U.S. military assets. He asserted that these countries share responsibility for any escalation if their territories are utilized as launchpads for attacks against Iran. He criticized the international community for condemning Iran's defensive measures while failing to hold accountable those committing "serious violations of international law."

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Iran does not ‘attack.’ Iran’s strikes on U.S. military bases and assets stationed in the southern Persian Gulf constitute a legitimate and lawful exercise of its inherent right to self-defense under international law.