"Masterclass in selective moral outrage": Iran denounces EU censure of strikes against Kuwait
Tehran, June 2
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly criticised the European Union for targeting Tehran after it acted to protect itself against "US aggression launched from bases in neighbouring countries", describing the bloc's stance as "hypocritical, reckless and a masterclass in selective moral outrage."
Defending Tehran's decision to launch strikes on foreign military bases and installations used to target Iranian territory, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Monday characterised the military operation as a "lawful exercise" of self-defence.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Baqaei noted, "The EU's statement blaming Iran for exercising its right to self-defence against US aggression launched from bases in neighbouring countries is a masterclass in selective moral outrage; it is hypocritical and reckless. The EU must remain faithful to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter that it has long claimed to uphold. It must stop appeasing aggressors while blaming those who respond to unlawful attacks."
"Iran's strikes against those bases and assets that are used to launch unlawful attacks against Iran are a lawful exercise of self-defence. States have an established legal obligation not to allow their territory or assets to be used for invading other countries," the spokesperson added in his statement.
The firm response from the Iranian ministry follows an official statement issued by the EU on May 29, which condemned Tehran's strike against Kuwait and reaffirmed its complete solidarity with the Kuwaiti government and its citizens.
The statement released by the 27-nation bloc reads, "The EU strongly condemns the latest attack by Iran against the State of Kuwait, violating its sovereignty according to international law, and reiterates its full solidarity with the Government and people of Kuwait. Such attacks pose a serious threat to regional security and stability."
The European body further called on all involved actors to adhere strictly to international law, alongside the foundational principles of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.
"UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which urged Iran to cease its attacks against the Gulf states and Jordan, must be fully implemented. The EU will continue to support all efforts towards de-escalation and advocate for a sustainable solution regarding the war between the US, Israel and Iran," the European Union statement added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian watching this, I see double standards everywhere. The West condemns Iran for hitting Kuwait, but when US drones strike Pakistan or Yemen from bases in Qatar, it's 'self-defence.' Iran is saying what many in the Global South think—rules apply unequally. But attacking another country's sovereignty is never a good solution.
Iran's logic: 'They attacked us, so we can attack them from your land.' That's not self-defence, that's escalation! Kuwait is caught between a rock and a hard place. The EU is right to condemn this, but they should equally condemn the US for using Gulf bases to strike Iran in the first place. Hypocrisy on both sides, yaar.
Classic case of 'might is right.' The EU lecturing Iran while ignoring US provocations is peak hypocrisy. But Iran's strikes on Kuwait are also wrong—two wrongs don't make a right. India should call for dialogue and restraint from all parties. Gulf stability directly affects our energy security and 9 million Indians working there. 🇮🇳
Iran's spokesperson is right about one thing: the UN Charter says states shouldn't let their territory be used to attack others. But Iran should have gone through diplomatic channels, not missiles. The EU statement lacks credibility when it doesn't condemn the US's role. This whole situation is a mess—everyone needs to step back. 😤
From a Western perspective, Iran's action is indefensible—striking a sovereign state like Kuwait is a clear violation. But the EU's selective condemnation
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