Iran defends missile attack on Israel as act of self-defense
Iranian flag flies in front of the UN office building, housing IAEA headquarters, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Vienna, Austria, May 24, 2021. (Reuters Photo)
Iran asserted on Tuesday that its recent missile attack on Israel was a legitimate act of “self-defense,” invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter. This statement comes in response to what Tehran describes as a series of Israeli aggressions, including the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran and the injury of its ambassador to Lebanon.
In a letter addressed to the UN Security Council, Iran outlined its grievances against Israel, citing violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The letter emphasized the necessity for the Security Council to intervene to halt what Iran characterizes as Israel’s ongoing aggression.
“It is regrettable that the United Nations Security Council has failed in its fundamental duty to maintain international peace and security,” Iran expressed in the letter, criticizing the Council’s “inaction” which has purportedly allowed Israel to breach fundamental international laws.
The Iranian government argued that its missile strikes, which reportedly involved around 180 ballistic missiles, were a response to escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other military commanders in southern Beirut. These events have heightened the risk of a broader conflict in the region.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its calls upon the Security Council to urgently and decisively intervene to halt Israel’s continued aggression and war crimes against Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria,” the letter stated. It further warned that Iran is “fully prepared” to undertake additional defensive actions, promising a “swift, decisive and stronger” response if Israel engages in similar operations.
