Iran Calls Its Military Strikes Legitimate Self-Defence

Teheran (ANTARA) - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has stated that his country’s military actions constitute legitimate self-defence against continued military aggression by the United States and Israel. In a post on social media platform X on Monday evening, Baqaei was responding to a statement by a United Nations spokesperson who expressed concern over Iran’s attacks on US military bases in the region and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. “This situation is not merely a military confrontation, but a continuation of the open military aggression initiated on 28 February by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran,” he wrote. Baqaei stressed that Iran did not initiate hostilities and acted in accordance with international law. “Iran did not attack anyone. The strikes on US military bases and assets on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf are an exercise of the inherent right to self-defence under international law,” he said. He also stated that countries in the region hosting US military assets bear responsibility for the escalation if their territory is used to launch attacks against Iran. Baqaei further deemed it irresponsible for Iran to be criticised for defending itself whilst those committing grave violations of international law are not held accountable.