Online Reporter
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ISRAEL’s decision to start bombing Iran’s territory on June 13 was a disregard of the United Nations Charter and has shaken the foundations of the international order, Charge d’Affaires at the Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mr Ali Tousi, has said.
Addressing a media briefing in the capital on the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Mr Tousi condemned the United States’ “misuse of power in supporting Iran”, saying this has enabled Israel to commit war crimes in Gaza, invade Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Iran.
“The US support for Israel has shaken the foundations of the international order based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, and if we are to maintain that order, we must agree that when one actor engages in such barbaric behaviour, other members must be able to stop it.”
Mr Tousi said his country hoped Zimbabwe’s effort to secure a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) would succeed as it would steady the council in upholding the principles of the organisation’s charter.
“….I hope that Zimbabwe will be successful in its bid to join the Security Council. The addition of a country like Zimbabwe to the Security Council can certainly give us hope that the council will improve in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter,” he said.
Mr Tousi said the June 13 Israeli aggression towards Iran did not only violate his country’s sovereignty as an independent state and member of the United Nations, but also constituted an act of aggression under international human rights law.
“These heinous attacks are a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which explicitly prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
“Israel attacks hospitals, radio and television stations, residential homes of women and children, and civilians, but Iran, despite its recognition of the inherent brutality of this regime, continues to adhere to international law and international humanitarian law,” he added.
On Monday, Israel bombed the headquarters of Iran’s state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which Mr Tousi said was targeted for exposing the hidden facts on the ongoing standoff.
“It is a sign that you have completely lost the narrative war. They wanted many things to remain hidden, but when all the facts are revealed, you have not only lost the battlefield, but also lost the media war.”
He said his country will not give up its right of self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
