Iran Will Continue to Defend Itself Until US-Israeli Attacks Stop

JAKARTA - The Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations (UN), Amir Saeid Iravani, said Iran would continue to defend itself until the aggression and attacks that it called barbaric acts by the United States and Israel were stopped.

"We continue to exercise the inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations until this aggression and barbaric attack stop. Our response is legitimate, necessary, and proportionate," Iravani told reporters at the UN headquarters, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Saturday, March 7.

He stated that Iran only targeted military targets in response to the aggression aimed at his country.

"Iran only targets military targets from the attacking party. We do not target civilians. We do not target the interests of neighboring countries. Currently, we are investigating allegations related to attacks on non-military locations," said Iravani.

"Our initial assessment indicates that some of these incidents may have occurred as a result of interception or interference by the United States defense system, which may have led to a deviation from the intended military target," he added.

He also stressed that Iran was not seeking war.

"Iran is not looking for war. Iran does not want escalation. But Iran will never give up its sovereignty," said Iravani.

"Our ancient and proud civilization shows that Iran has always been a peace-loving nation and committed to 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 explained that the election of Iranian leadership was entirely 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 election of Iran's leadership will be carried out entirely in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely based on the will of the Iranian people without foreign interference," he said.

He also called on all UN member states to condemn the aggression of the United States and Israel.

"We call on all member states to condemn this aggression, this war crime, and take immediate action to stop the criminal war against the Iranian people, a war that poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security," the Iranian Permanent Representative to the United Nations said.

"The Security Council must act now, decisively, clearly, and without delay. Failure to act will have very serious consequences. Today Iran, tomorrow could be another member state," said Iravani.

On Saturday (28/2), the United States and Israel launched an attack on a number of targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which caused damage and casualties among civilians. The attack resulted in the death of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khameneigugur.

Iran then retaliated by launching attacks on Israeli territory and US military bases in various parts of the Middle East, as a defensive measure.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA