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Iran Condemns Israel for Airstrikes, Warns of Retaliation and Global Consequences
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.
No Threat to Britain from Iran, Says Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday dismissed fears that mainland Britain could be targeted by Iran, insisting that national security assessments show no immediate threat.
Speaking to reporters in London, Starmer said, “We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way.”
The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid reports over the weekend that Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean.
When asked if Britain could face repercussions from Iran following the strike, Starmer maintained a cautious tone, emphasising that protecting British interests was his top priority.
He also commented on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies, saying any attempt to reopen it must be approached with “careful consideration” and a “viable plan.”
The Prime Minister concluded by underlining his commitment to de-escalation, signalling a steady but cautious British approach in the region.
China Cautions US, Israel Against Escalation, Cites Iraq War Lessons
China on Monday called on all parties involved in the escalating Middle East conflict, particularly the United States and Israel, to halt military operations, warning that continued hostilities could trigger a “vicious cycle” with far-reaching global economic consequences.
Speaking after a shuttle diplomacy tour of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, China’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, urged restraint, stressing that those responsible for the crisis must take the lead in resolving it.
“The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it,” Zhai said during a media briefing, underscoring Beijing’s position that dialogue, not force, remains the only viable path to de-escalation.
In a separate briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, cautioned that the continued use of force would only deepen tensions, warning that an expansion of the conflict could plunge the entire region into chaos.
Referencing historical precedents, China highlighted the long-term consequences of war, pointing to the Iraq War, which marked its 23rd anniversary last week, as a stark reminder of the devastation prolonged conflicts can inflict on the Middle East.
The ministry noted that the 2003 invasion of Iraq led to years of instability, significant loss of life and the eventual rise of extremist groups, warning that a similar trajectory could emerge if the current hostilities involving Iran persist.
Meanwhile, Beijing expressed concerns over the economic fallout of the crisis, particularly on global energy supply and its export-driven economy, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil passes—threaten emerging markets and could dampen demand for Chinese goods in the coming months.
Trump Shares Skit Mocking Starmer Amid Iran War Talks
United States President Donald Trump has shared a video of a comedy skit portraying United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer as anxious about taking his call, hours after both leaders discussed the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
The clip, posted on Truth Social, was taken from a British adaptation of Saturday Night Live and featured actor George Fouracres depicting a visibly nervous Starmer inside Downing Street ahead of a fictional phone conversation with Trump.
In the skit, Starmer is seen expressing fears about speaking with Trump, jokingly referring to him as a “scary, scary, wonderful president,” while consulting a parody version of Foreign Secretary David Lammy over the United Kingdom’s position on the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Trump did not include any caption with the video, which surfaced amid rising tensions between Washington and its NATO allies over their reluctance to support US-led efforts to counter Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US President has recently criticised NATO members, including the UK, describing them as unwilling to assist in what he termed a straightforward military effort to reopen the vital oil shipping route, through which about 20 per cent of global supply passes.
Meanwhile, both leaders held talks on Sunday evening, with Downing Street confirming that Trump and Starmer agreed on the urgency of reopening the Strait to stabilise global energy markets and ensure uninterrupted shipping.
However, Starmer on Monday stressed the need for caution, noting there was no indication Britain was under direct threat from Iran, while reiterating that any military response must prioritise de-escalation and protection of British interests.
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Diaspora6 days agoDiaspora Watch Vol. 86
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Analysis1 week agoThe War Beneath the War, by Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
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News1 week agoNo Threat to Britain from Iran, Says Starmer
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News1 week agoChina Cautions US, Israel Against Escalation, Cites Iraq War Lessons
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Analysis1 week agoTinubu in Windsor, Nigeria in Flames, by Boniface Ihiasota
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News1 week agoTrump Shares Skit Mocking Starmer Amid Iran War Talks