Russia affirms Iran's right to self-defence under UN Charter

Moscow (ANTARA) — Russia has affirmed Iran’s right to self-defence and called on the United States and Israel to halt aggression, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday.

“We consider it important to reaffirm the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as all other countries, to defend themselves in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” Zakharova said at a press conference.

Russia will continue taking measures to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, the diplomat stated.

“We consider attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure in Iran, neighbouring Arab countries, and elsewhere unacceptable. We call on the United States and Israel to cease military aggression and return to the negotiating table,” Zakharova said.

She added that the conflict over Iran could have environmental and radiological consequences for the Middle East.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed their attacks were necessary to counter threats from Iran’s nuclear programme. However, they subsequently clarified that the operations were carried out because they sought to see a change of power in Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the killing of Khamenei as a cynical violation of international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israeli operations and called for immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.