NewKerala.com

Iran Warns US, Israel: "Will Use All Necessary Options" to Defend Itself

Iran's Ambassador to India has declared the country is fully prepared and will exercise all necessary options to defend its sovereignty following strikes by the US and Israel, which reportedly hit civilian infrastructure. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation, stating the use of force undermines international peace and security. Reports indicate key Iranian defence officials may have been killed, and Iran has retaliated with missile strikes against targets in Israel and US bases in the region. The European aviation safety agency has closed airspace over Iran and neighbouring conflict zones.

Key Points: Iran Ambassador Warns US, Israel, Vows to Protect Territory

  • Iran vows self-defence after strikes
  • UN chief condemns military escalation
  • Key Iranian officials reported killed
  • Strikes hit civilian areas, school
  • Region's airspace faces closures
3 min read

"Will use all necessary options to protect ourselves": Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali

Iran's ambassador to India says Tehran is "fully prepared" and will use all options for self-defence after US-Israel strikes, as UN condemns escalation.

"Iran will use all necessary options to protect its territorial integrity - Mohammad Fathali"

New Delhi, February 28

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Saturday warned the US and Israel, stating that Tehran is "fully prepared" and will take all "necessary options" to protect itself.

Condemning the US and Israel strikes, Mohammad Fathali accused them of targeting civilian areas along with the defensive infrastructure of Iran.

"Now we will defend our country... Iran has the lawful right of self-defence; as an independent country, Iran will use all necessary options to protect its territorial integrity, its independence, and the lives of its citizens. The armed forces of Iran are fully prepared," he said.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has once again been attacked by the US and the Zionist regime... They violated Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They attacked targets in several cities, including defensive infrastructure and civilian areas," he added.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres unequivocally condemned the military escalation in the Middle East, saying that the "use of force" by Untied States and Israel, and Iran's "subsequent retaliation" undermines international peace and security.

While invoking the UN charter, the Secretary General said that the principal document guiding the international body clearly prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

"All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the UN. The Charter clearly prohibits "the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations," he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced that apart from Iran and its neighbouring airspace; Syria, Yemen and are also closed off.

Earlier, in a blow to Tehran's leadership, Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in an Israeli strike, according to sources familiar with Israel's military operations, and another regional source, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi alleged that the Israeli strike on an Iranian primary school for girls murdered dozens. Araghchi vowed to answer the strikes.

In a post on X, he said, "The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils. Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this site alone. These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered."

Several ministries in southern Tehran were reportedly struck, and residents heard powerful blasts as tensions surged following a pre-emptive military strike by Israel, which reportedly targeted multiple sites, including in the capital.

In response, Iran has launched a targeted missile strike against Israel and the United States military base in Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The civilian casualties are the real tragedy here. Targeting a girls' school? That's unconscionable. The international community needs to step up and hold those responsible accountable. Iran's warning is understandable, but retaliation often hurts ordinary people the most. A sad day.
V
Vikram M
This is why India's policy of strategic autonomy is so crucial. We have good relations with both the US and Iran. We must use our diplomatic channels to de-escalate. The Middle East conflict directly impacts our energy security and the welfare of our diaspora there. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
The UN Charter is clear, but who is listening? Powerful nations act with impunity. Iran's ambassador is stating the obvious - any sovereign country would say the same if attacked. Hope our MEA is closely monitoring the situation, especially for Indians in the Gulf.
P
Priya S
While I condemn the attack on civilians, I respectfully disagree with the notion that Iran's leadership are mere victims. Their support for proxies across the region has fueled this cycle of violence for years. The ambassador's statement feels like a justification for further escalation, which helps no one.
K
Karthik V
The immediate closure of airspace is a worrying sign. This could severely disrupt international travel and trade routes. Chabahar port is crucial for India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Hope our external affairs ministry has contingency plans ready. Jai Hind.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50