Islamabad/ Tehran: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a strongly worded statement through its embassy for Pakistan Islamabad, condemning what it described as “criminal military aggression” carried out by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iranian territory, accusing both parties of violating international law and threatening regional and global stability. The statement, addressed to the Iranian public and the international community, declared that Iran reserves the legal right to respond and pledged a firm reaction by its armed forces.
According to the statement, the alleged attacks occurred early in the morning on the eve of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, coinciding with the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan — a timing Iranian officials described as particularly provocative and symbolic. Iranian authorities claimed that multiple targets were struck across several cities, including defense infrastructure and civilian locations, which they said constituted a direct violation of Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The Foreign Ministry framed the reported strikes as an escalation that took place despite ongoing diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington. Officials stated that Iran had continued negotiations even while suspecting the possibility of renewed military action, arguing that participation in diplomacy was intended to demonstrate Iran’s commitment to peace and to expose what it called the illegitimacy of any justification for aggression.
In the statement, Iranian leaders emphasized that the country had pursued diplomatic avenues in good faith. They asserted that the Iranian nation had taken all necessary steps to prevent conflict and that the responsibility for escalation rests with those accused of carrying out the attacks. “Now is the time to defend the homeland,” the statement declared, adding that while Iran had been prepared for negotiations, it was even more prepared for defense.
The Foreign Ministry accused both the United States and Israel of breaching Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The statement further argued that Iran’s response would fall under Article 51 of the Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defense in the event of armed attack.
Iranian officials stressed that the country’s armed forces would employ “all their might and resources” to confront what they characterized as aggression and to repel further attacks. While no operational details were provided, the language of the statement suggested a readiness for military retaliation if necessary.
The statement also placed significant emphasis on international institutions, particularly the United Nations. Tehran called on the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council, and member states of the Council to take immediate action to address what it described as a clear threat to international peace and security. Iranian authorities argued that failure to respond decisively could undermine international law and embolden future violations.
In addition to appealing to the United Nations, Iran urged all member states — especially regional governments, Islamic countries, and members of the Non-Aligned Movement — to condemn the alleged attacks and adopt collective measures. The statement warned that continued escalation could expose the Middle East and the wider world to an “unprecedented threat” to peace and stability.
Analysts note that Iran’s diplomatic language reflects a dual strategy: appealing to international legal frameworks while simultaneously signaling domestic resolve and military preparedness. The reference to historical resistance against foreign domination appeared aimed at strengthening national unity at a time of heightened tensions.
The Foreign Ministry’s message repeatedly invoked themes of sovereignty, resistance, and historical endurance. It stated that Iranians had never surrendered to foreign aggression and suggested that any confrontation would ultimately strengthen national solidarity. Officials expressed confidence that any response would be “decisive and determining,” warning that aggressors would regret their actions.
The timing of the statement, issued during Ramadan and shortly before Nowruz celebrations, carries cultural and political significance. Observers say Iranian leaders often use symbolic dates to reinforce messages of resilience and collective identity, particularly during periods of external pressure.
International reaction to the claims and counterclaims remains closely watched. While Iran has called for condemnation and urgent diplomatic intervention, global powers are expected to seek independent verification of events and encourage restraint from all sides to prevent a broader regional confrontation.
Security experts warn that any escalation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate region, potentially affecting energy markets, maritime security, and ongoing diplomatic processes across the Middle East. The Persian Gulf and surrounding waterways remain critical corridors for global trade, making stability in the region a matter of international concern.
The Iranian statement also highlighted what it described as a contradiction between ongoing diplomacy and military action. Officials argued that the alleged strikes undermined trust in negotiations and raised questions about the reliability of diplomatic engagement under conditions of military pressure.
Despite its strong rhetoric, the statement did not specify an immediate timeline for retaliation, leaving uncertainty about Iran’s next steps. Analysts suggest Tehran may pursue a combination of diplomatic, political, and military responses, potentially including appeals to international courts, intensified regional diplomacy, or calibrated security measures.
Calls for restraint have historically followed similar moments of heightened tension, as regional actors and global powers attempt to avoid direct confrontation. However, the language used in the statement indicates that Iran intends to frame any future action as defensive and legally justified under international law.
The Foreign Ministry concluded by reaffirming confidence in national strength and divine support, declaring that Iran’s armed forces would not hesitate to defend the country. The statement portrayed the current moment as a historic test, emphasizing unity and preparedness while reiterating that Iran considers its response both lawful and necessary.
As diplomatic channels remain under strain, observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation moves toward escalation or renewed negotiation. International mediation efforts may intensify as governments seek to prevent further deterioration of security conditions in an already volatile region.
For now, Iran’s official position is clear: it views the reported airstrikes as an act of armed aggression and insists that responding is its legitimate right. Whether this confrontation evolves into a broader conflict or returns to diplomatic engagement will likely depend on reactions from global powers, regional stakeholders, and international institutions in the days ahead.