Iran Condemns Israel for Airstrikes, Warns of Retaliation and Global Consequences

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation following a wave of airstrikes it claims were carried out by what it called the “occupying and rogue Zionist regime,” targeting Tehran and other cities across the Islamic Republic. The ministry described the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct affront to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a formal statement released in Tehran early Friday morning, the Foreign Ministry accused Israel of launching what it described as a “criminal and evil” assault that struck residential areas and resulted in the death of both civilians and military personnel. Among the casualties were “some of the noblest and most patriotic servants of the nation,” the statement noted, emphasizing the loss of individuals who had defended the country’s sovereignty and scientific achievements.

“This morning, the occupying and rogue Zionist regime violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of our dear Iran,” the statement read. “As a result, several defenders of Iran’s dignity, sovereignty, and scientific advancement – along with innocent civilians – were martyred.”

The Iranian government has expressed both condolences and pride in the fallen, declaring them “martyrs” who gave their lives for their homeland. The Foreign Ministry’s message was addressed to both Iran’s Supreme Leader and the general population, offering sympathy while calling for unity in the face of what it labeled as an “unforgivable crime.”

Iranian officials assert that the airstrikes constitute a breach of international peace and a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Invoking Article 51 of the Charter – which permits self-defense against armed attack – the statement declared that Iran reserves the right to respond.

“Iran reserves the legitimate and legal right to respond to this aggression,” the ministry said, adding that the Iranian Armed Forces would “not hesitate to defend Iran’s sovereignty with full strength and in the manner they deem appropriate.”

The statement further urged the United Nations Security Council to take swift action, calling on its President and members to immediately address what Tehran described as an act of aggression that threatens not only Iran, but international peace and stability.

“The Security Council must act without delay in the face of this violation of international peace and security,” the statement demanded. “We also remind the United Nations Secretary-General of his duties under the UN Charter and demand his immediate intervention in this matter.”

Iran also extended its call to the broader international community, urging Islamic nations, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and governments that uphold the rule of law to denounce the strikes. It described the attacks as part of a wider campaign of militarism that now threatens to plunge the region—and the world—into deeper instability.

“The consequences of this aggression will rest squarely on the shoulders of the Zionist regime and its supporters,” the statement warned.

Notably, the Foreign Ministry directly implicated the United States in the attacks, suggesting that Washington’s backing of Israel made it equally accountable for the aftermath.

“These acts of aggression could not have been carried out without the coordination and approval of the United States,” the statement said. “As the primary patron of this regime, the US government will also bear responsibility for the dangerous repercussions.”

As tensions rise and the international community watches closely, Iran’s warning of “grave and far-reaching consequences” signals the potential for significant regional escalation. No independent verification of the alleged attacks or casualty figures was available at the time of filing, and Israeli or US officials had not issued immediate responses to the accusations.

With the situation still developing, the calls for global diplomatic engagement and de-escalation will likely intensify in the coming days, as fears grow over the prospect of direct confrontation between Iran and Israel—and the potential for wider conflict across the Middle East.

British National Survives Fatal Plane Crash in India

A 40-year-old British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been identified as the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash that occurred shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning.

The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft went down just moments after leaving the runway, sending shockwaves across the region and beyond. Authorities confirmed that only one passenger survived the crash, which claimed the lives of dozens.

“Just thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and the plane went down. It all happened so fast,” Vishwash recounted in an interview with Hindustan Times from his hospital bed. He sustained multiple injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, described by doctors as “impact-related.”

Vishwash had been visiting family in India and was returning to the United Kingdom alongside his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, who is feared to be among the deceased.

“I still had my boarding pass in my pocket,” he said. “When I regained consciousness, there were bodies all around me. I was terrified. I stood up and ran. Debris was everywhere. Someone found me, put me in an ambulance, and I was rushed to the hospital.”

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that the survivor had been seated in 11A, a detail that matched the flight manifest shared with the media. “There is one confirmed survivor — a British national,” he said. The manifest identifies that passenger as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

In the wake of the tragedy, messages of condolence have poured in from around the world. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their deep sorrow and concern.

“We are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,” the statement read. “Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also addressed the House of Commons, confirming that British citizens were aboard the flight. “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is working urgently with Indian authorities to assist British nationals and their families. Crisis response teams have been activated in both Delhi and London,” he said.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway, as rescue teams continue their recovery efforts at the crash site. The airline and local aviation authorities have pledged full cooperation in uncovering the circumstances behind the tragedy

South Africa Flood Disaster Leaves at Least 49 Dead, Dozens Missing

At least 49 people have died and many more are missing following catastrophic flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where days of relentless rainfall and snowfall triggered by an extreme cold front have devastated communities and critical infrastructure.

The deadly weather system swept across parts of southern and eastern South Africa over the weekend, inundating towns, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds stranded. Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue across the region.

“As we speak here, other bodies are being discovered,” said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane at a press briefing. “I have never seen something like this,” he added, expressing shock at the scale of destruction.

Among the dead are six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was caught in rising floodwaters near a river. Four other students remain missing. The bus was located on Wednesday, but it was empty. Three students were rescued the day before, found clinging to trees as waters surged around them.

The provincial government confirmed that 58 schools and 20 healthcare facilities sustained damage in the flooding. Approximately 500 people have been displaced, with many housed in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

Disaster response teams have been deployed across the Eastern Cape and neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province. Efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons, deliver aid to affected areas, and assess the full extent of the damage.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support. His office confirmed that the National Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with provincial authorities to assist with emergency relief and recovery operations.

The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of South Africa’s infrastructure and communities to extreme weather events, which scientists warn are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

As search teams continue their work, officials urge caution, with additional rainfall forecast in some affected areas. Recovery efforts are expected to extend for weeks as families mourn, communities rebuild, and the nation grapples with the tragedy’s full impact.

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