Iran vows response as Israeli strikes escalate tensions; UN, China urge caution
After Israeli attacks, Tehran has declared its “legal and legitimate” right to respond under the UN Charter
TEHRAN (MNTV) – As the aftermath of Israel’s airstrikes on Iran unfolds, Tehran has declared its “legal and legitimate” right to respond under the UN Charter.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned that the repercussions of Israel’s actions would rest on both the “Zionist regime” and its primary ally, the United States.
“The dangerous and far-reaching effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland of Iran will be the responsibility of this regime and its supporters,” the ministry stated.
It accused the U.S. of complicity, asserting that Israel’s actions were carried out with American “coordination and authorization.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) paid tribute to its slain commander, Hossein Salami, who was killed in the strikes.
“Despite this brutal crime, the noble and revolutionary nation of Iran … is assured that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command … is ready to respond decisively to the violations of the Zionist enemy,” the IRGC said.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also issued a stern warning to Israel.
In a statement published by the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Khamenei condemned the attacks, which included strikes on residential areas.
“The Zionist regime, at dawn today, opened its dirty and bloody hand to a crime in our beloved country and revealed its evil nature more than ever by striking residential centres,” he said.
Khamenei vowed a decisive response, stating that Israel “must expect severe punishment” for its actions.
At the international level, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation.
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” said his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, expressing concern over Israel’s targeting of nuclear installations while talks between Tehran and Washington were ongoing.
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” Haq said.
“He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
China also reacted, issuing security advisories to its citizens in both Israel and Iran.
The Chinese embassy in Israel advised citizens to stay indoors, avoid sensitive areas, and prepare for possible missile and drone attacks, citing the “complex and severe” security situation.
A similar notice from the embassy in Iran urged vigilance and heightened security awareness.
On the Israeli side, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir justified the strikes as a necessity, stating that the country had reached a “point of no return.”
The Israeli military raised its civil and public security level, banning non-essential gatherings, educational activities, and most workplaces.
Israel’s airspace has also been closed to all arrivals and departures until further notice, according to the Transportation Ministry.
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