Iran acted in self-defence against Zionist regime

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the defensive operation of the armed forces against the Zionist regime

In accordance with the inherent right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and in response to the Zionist regime’s aggressive actions — including the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the assassination of the Head of the Political Bureau of the Hamas Movement in Tehran who was an official guest of the Iranian Government, as well as the assassination of the Secretary-General of Hezbollah and General Abbas Nilforoushan, Iran’s Senior Military Advisor in Beirut — the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of missile strikes on the night of Tuesday, October 1 2024, targeting the military and security installations of the Zionist regime.

Iran’s resort to the right of self-defence, after long-term restraint, reflects its responsible approach to regional and international peace and security at a time when the illegal actions and genocidal policies of the apartheid occupying Zionist Regime against the Palestinian people and its repeated military aggressions against Lebanon and Syria continue unabated.

Unlike the Zionist regime, which has always regarded innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure as legitimate targets for its aggression and killings, the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on principles and the lofty teachings of Islam, and in full adherence to the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law, exclusively targeted the military and security installations of the regime in its defensive missile attack.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, while emphasising the responsibility of the regime’s supporters and financial and military suppliers to halt the reckless actions of the Zionist regime’s leaders, and warning against any third-party involvement, calls for immediate and meaningful action by the United Nations Security Council to prevent further threats to regional and international peace and security posed by the Israeli regime.

The Islamic Republic of Iran stands fully prepared to take further defensive measures, if necessary to protect its legitimate interests and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty against any aggressive military actions and the unlawful use of force and will not hesitate to act in this regard.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Harare