By Thobile Jiwulane:
Following Israel’s attacks against the Islamic Republic in Tehran, a Spokesperson of the Iranian Armed Forces says the Armed Forces are fully ready to defend the country and the national interests of the Iranian people.
“We consider the United States the main perpetrator of today’s aggression, and the Zionist regime as an accomplice in this aggression. At the same time, we regard both as one. The Armed Forces, especially the Aerospace Force of the IRGC, immediately after the shameless aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States, launched retaliatory operations against U.S. bases in the region and the Zionist regime.”
“All U.S. bases, resources, and interests in the region, both in space and on land, are considered legitimate targets by the Armed Forces. We will confront stronger than the 12-day war with the U.S. and the Zionist regime. The people should know there is no reason for concern,” the Spokesperson said.
The attack came a week or so after the US moved its military weapons and warships to the Middle East in what was seen as preparation to attack Iran. It also follows threats by US President Donald Trump to launch an attack on Iran. Indications are that this time it would be a long and serious war because Iran vowed to retaliate and inflict pain on both the US and Israel.
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic against “military aggression” against Iran by Israel and the US
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, Heroic and noble people of Iran, Fellow compatriots. Our sacred and beloved homeland, proud and civilization-building Iran, has once again been subjected to criminal military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime.” The Minister further announced the following:
This morning, on the eve of Nowruz and on the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan, the United States and the Zionist regime flagrantly violated Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty by attacking a number of targets, including defensive infrastructure and civilian locations, in various cities across our country.
This renewed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran has occurred while Iran and the United States were in the midst of a diplomatic process. Despite being aware of the intentions of the United States and the Zionist regime to carry out another act of military aggression, we re-entered negotiations to exhaust all arguments before the international community and all countries of the world, in order to demonstrate the righteousness of the Iranian nation and the illegitimacy of any pretext for aggression.
The people of Iran can now hold their heads high, knowing that they did everything necessary to prevent war. Now is the time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault. Just as we were prepared for negotiations, we are now more prepared than ever to defend Iran’s sovereignty. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond decisively to the aggressors.
The air attacks by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations and represent a clear act of armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Responding to this aggression is Iran’s lawful and legitimate right under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all their capabilities and resources to confront this criminal aggression and repel the enemy’s hostility.
The Islamic Republic of Iran reminds the United Nations and its Security Council of their grave responsibility to take immediate action to address the breach of international peace and security resulting from the blatant military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran. It calls upon the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council, and the members of the Council to fulfil their duties without delay.
All UN member states—especially regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all governments that feel responsible for international peace and security—are expected to strongly condemn this act of aggression and to take urgent and collective measures to confront it, as it undoubtedly poses an unprecedented threat to regional and global peace and security.
At this historic and decisive moment, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, inspired by the great heroic legacy of this land and placing their trust in Almighty God, with faith in divine support and reliance on national strength, will not hesitate in their steadfast defence of our beloved homeland.
History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed to foreign aggression. This time, too, the response of the Iranian nation will be firm and decisive, and will make the aggressors regret their criminal act.
Long live Iran. – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – @NewsSA_Online
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