Geneva: Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, has declared that the Islamic Republic will respond to aggression without hesitation. Speaking at a U.N. session on disarmament, he highlighted military aggression against Iranian cities, residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, and strikes against peaceful nuclear sites of a country that is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (N.P.T.), operating under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.).
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Bahreini described the Israeli strikes against Iran as a violation of international law and a war crime, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women and children. He accused Israel of intentionally targeting civilians and ignoring its international legal obligations, comparing its actions to those in Palestine and Gaza, and stated that these actions likely have the approval of Western governments, including the United States.
Bahreini criticized Israel for not being a member of the N.P.T., possessing nuclear weapons, and threatening other countries. He argued that Israel should not act as a guarantor of world order and attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. He emphasized that Iran did not initiate the conflict but was subjected to aggression during preparations for nuclear program negotiations, which Israel seeks to disrupt.
The envoy affirmed Iran’s right to respond decisively and proportionately under international law to protect its sovereignty, citizens, and national security. He urged responsible members of the international community to hold Israel and its supporters accountable for their actions.
Bahreini claimed that the Israeli regime’s aggressions and crimes were committed with the approval and support of Western governments, including the United States. He accused Israel of consistently undermining peaceful initiatives and negotiated solutions.
The conflict was sparked by Israeli strikes inside Iranian territory, including on residential buildings, on June 13. These actions, according to Bahreini, were unprovoked and led to the assassination of top Iranian military officials and civilian casualties. Iran responded with punitive strikes on Israeli cities, forcing Israelis into bomb shelters. The exchange of strikes has continued, with Iranian officials stating that their mission will persist as long as necessary.