Iran to continue defending itself until U.S.-Israel aggression stops
New York (ANTARA) — Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Amir Saeid Iravani, said that Iran will continue to defend itself until the aggression and attacks, which he described as barbaric acts by the United States and Israel, are halted.
“We will continue to exercise our inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter until this aggression and barbaric attacks stop. Our response is lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” Iravani told reporters at UN Headquarters.
He stated that Iran would only target military targets in response to aggression directed at his country. “Iran only targets the attacker’s military targets. We do not target civilians. We do not target the interests of neighbouring states. At present we are investigating allegations concerning attacks on non-military locations,” Iravani said.
“Our initial assessment indicates that some of these incidents may have occurred due to interception or disruption by the United States’ defence systems, which could cause strikes to deviate from the intended military target,” he added.
He also emphasised that Iran does not seek war. “Iran does not seek war. Iran does not want escalation. Yet Iran will never surrender its sovereignty,” Iravani said.
“Our ancient and proud civilisation demonstrates that Iran has always been a people who love peace and are committed to living in coexistence, dignity, and mutual respect among nations. We will take all necessary steps to defend our people, our territory, and our independence,” he said.
Iravani added that the leadership selection in Iran is wholly determined by the Iranian people without foreign interference. “Iran is a sovereign and independent country. Iran does not accept and will never allow foreign powers to interfere in its internal affairs. Our constitution is clear. The selection of Iran’s leadership will be carried out entirely in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely on the will of the Iranian people, without foreign interference,” he said.
He also urged all UN member states to condemn United States and Israel aggression. “We call on all member states to condemn this aggression, this war crime, and to take immediate action to halt the crime of war against the Iranian people, a war that poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security,” the Iranian ambassador to the UN said.
“The Security Council must act now, firmly, clearly, and without delay. Failure to act will have very serious consequences. Today Iran, tomorrow another member state,” Iravani said.
On Saturday (28/2), the United States and Israel launched attacks on a number of targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. The attack resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran later retaliated by launching strikes against Israeli territory and American military bases in various parts of the Middle East, as a self-defence measure.
Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA