‘Inherent right to self-defence’: Iran warns of ‘stronger’ response if Israel commits ‘military aggression’ again

In a statement to the UN, Iran's permanent representative said that Tehran wishes no escalation of the conflict in the region.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: April 14, 2024 01:22 PM IST

3 min read

Iranian demonstrators react after the IRGC attack on Israel, during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, April 14, 2024. (Reuters)

Hours after launching a series of drone missile attacks on Israel, the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday issued a statement to the United Nations (UN) invoking its right to self-defence in accordance to international law. The Iranian military strikes on Saturday night came as a response to a suspected Israel attack on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus on April 1 which led to multiple deaths and subsequent UN “silence” and “inaction” in the face of Israeli aggression, noted the statement issued by the country.

A statement by the permanent representative of Iran to the UN, Amir Saed Iravani, noted that though Iran wishes no escalation of the conflict in the region which has now raged on for six months, it will retaliate with “stronger, and more resolute” action should Israeli military aggression towards Iranian territory be repeated.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute,” it said.

It added that the Israeli attack on its consulate building breached clauses in Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the UN which led to Iran invoking Article 51 to ensure self-defence, protection of its people, security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“This action was in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations,” read Iravani’s statement to the international organisation.

Iran further blamed the UN for failing to take action against Israel’s military aggressions in the region which has disturbed regional and international peace and security. “Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law. Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security.”

The Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus on April 1 resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including two high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The strike appeared to signify an escalation of Israel’s targeting of military officials from Iran, which supports militant groups fighting Israel in Gaza, and along its border with Lebanon, reported Reuters.

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