Iran strikes on US assets 'lawful exercise of self-defense': spokesperson

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserted that the country's strikes on U.S. military bases and assets in the southern Arabian Gulf constitute a "legitimate and lawful exercise of its inherent right to self-defense under international law." Baghaei was responding to the United Nations' expressed "concern" over renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

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Mr. Spokesperson, this is not a 'military confrontation.' It is the continuation of a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression initiated on 28 February by the United States and Israel. Iran does not 'attack.' Iran's strikes on U.S. military bases and assets stationed in the southern Arabian Gulf constitute a legitimate and lawful exercise of its inherent right to self-defense under international law. You should urge the countries in question to immediately cease allowing the United States to use their territories as launchpads for aggression against Iran.

In an "X" post, Baghaei clarified that the situation is not a "military confrontation" but rather a "continuation of a blatant and unprovoked act of aggression initiated on February 28 by the United States and Israel." He urged the UN to press these countries to cease allowing the U.S. to use their territories as launchpads for aggression against Iran. Baghaei also insisted on the correct use of the term "Persian Gulf," referencing UN directives.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had voiced deep concern over the escalating military confrontations in the Gulf, which include Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. strikes on Iran, and Iranian attacks on targets in neighboring countries. Guterres warned that a return to full-scale hostilities would have "catastrophic consequences" for the region, international peace and security, and the global economy. He implored both Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations and resolve outstanding issues through diplomacy.

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It is far from responsible to blame Iran for defending its sovereignty while failing to hold the aggressors accountable for their egregious violation of international law. By the way, it is the 'Persian Gulf'; please be loyal to the UN directives (notably those of 18 August 1994 and 14 May 1999) mandating the use of the full term 'Persian Gulf' in all UN texts.

The United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran on Sunday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM stated that the operation aims to further degrade Tehran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The specifics of these latest strikes were not fully detailed in the provided text.

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I am deeply concerned by the serious escalation and renewed military confrontations in the Gulf, including the Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the attacks by the US on Iran, and the attacks by Iran on targets in neighbouring countries. These attacks must all stop.