Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said on Friday that Tehran has a “legal and legitimate” right to respond to Israeli attacks under the UN Charter. Iran has accused Washington of aiding and supporting the Israeli strikes on nuclear and army infrastructure that have killed more than 50 people, including women and children.
"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 said in a statement.
"The Zionist regime’s aggressive actions against Iran cannot have been carried out without the support and coordination of the United States. Accordingly, the United States government, as the main supporter of this regime, will also be responsible for the dangerous effects and consequences of the Zionist regime’s adventure.”
Meanwhile, in a statement by his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for “maximum restraint” to avoid “descent into deeper conflict”.
"The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” Haq said.
Also read: Trump warns of massive conflict following Israeli strikes on Iran
“The UN is particularly concerned over Israeli actions on nuclear installations in Tehran while talks between the United States and Iran were ongoing.”
Additionally, Washington has denied having involvement in the attack, yet Trump said that they are “ready to defend Israel if needed”.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. Several people in leadership will not be coming back,” Trump said.
The US has issued a security alert for US government officials in Israel and their families, as the country braces for potential retaliation from Iran after Friday morning strikes.
“As a result of the current security situation, the US Embassy has directed all the US government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice,” the advisory read.
Israel has once again blatantly violated sovereignty by conducting unprovoked strikes inside Tehran. "Iran has all the right to retaliate and protect the rights of its people against foreign aggression,” said officials associated with the supreme leader.
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