Tehran: Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, has criticized the United States for labeling its recent military actions against Iran as 'self-defense', stating that such characterizations hold no legal validity.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the United States has breached the agreed-upon ceasefire with Iran multiple times in the past few days. Despite this, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has portrayed these actions as acts of 'self-defense' in their official statements.

Gharibabadi expressed his concerns on Thursday through a post on his X account, declaring that the US's recent military campaigns against Iranian targets constitute clear aggression against Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and national security. He emphasized that these actions undermine the ceasefire agreement.

He further elaborated that in the realm of international law, simply rebranding aggressive actions does not absolve the aggressor from the consequences. Labeling such military attacks as 'self-defense', as CENTCOM has done, does not confer any legal legitimacy.

Gharibabadi affirmed that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, supported by the resolve of the Iranian nation, remain steadfast in their commitment to defending the country's territory against any form of aggression. He warned of a decisive and authoritative response to any incursions, aiming to protect Iran's sovereignty.

The Deputy Foreign Minister also indicated that the ramifications of these unlawful and perilous actions would ultimately be borne by the United States and any entities involved in facilitating or aiding these acts. He concluded his statement by referencing a verse from the Quran regarding the fate of Pharaoh and his followers, drawing a parallel to the current situation.