Israel’s war of aggression and Iran’s legitimate response

The Israeli regime must not be allowed to rewrite

the rules of international conduct through

repeated violations and calculated provocations

Esmaeil Baqaei
spokesman of Iran’s foreign ministry

On 13 June 2025, the Israeli regime launched a large-scale, unlawful military attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This assault targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and safeguarded nuclear facilities, using airstrikes, missiles, and drones.

This act constitutes a grave violation of international law, including the UN Charter, International Humanitarian Law, and Human Rights Law. One particularly horrific strike killed at least 60 civilians — among them 35 women and children.

The Israeli regime has attempted to justify this aggression by citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. This claim is baseless. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly affirmed that Iran’s nuclear facilities are strictly for peaceful purposes and remain under robust international safeguards.

The deliberate targeting of safeguarded nuclear sites is not only unlawful but also poses severe risks to regional and global security. Such reckless actions must not be tolerated by the international community.

This aggression is part of a broader and consistent pattern of Israeli violations, including allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Iran has responded in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, exercising its inherent right to self-defense. Our retaliatory action was proportionate and solely directed at military objectives, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.

The inaction of the UN Security Council in the face of this blatant aggression is unacceptable. It stands in stark contrast to the swift condemnation issued in previous cases, such as Israel’s 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear facility.

The Israeli regime must not be allowed to rewrite the rules of international conduct through repeated violations and calculated provocations. The path to peace and stability begins with accountability.

Iran calls upon the international community to condemn this unlawful aggression, reaffirm commitment to the rule of law, and take urgent measures to prevent further erosion of international norms.