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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.
CARICOM Urges Regional Unity Over Global Crisis Impact on Food Security
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called for urgent regional coordination and strategic policy action to cushion the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on food security and economic stability across member states.
Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM, Wendell Samuel, made the call during a virtual dialogue held on April 10, warning that decisions taken now would shape the region’s ability to withstand current and future global disruptions.
“This moment calls for strategic thinking and regional solidarity. The decisions we take now will determine not only how CARICOM navigates this crisis, but how prepared we are for future global disruptions,” Samuel said.
The dialogue, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, focused on the implications of the conflict for Latin America and the Caribbean, with particular attention to food systems, agriculture, and macroeconomic stability.
Samuel, who oversees Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, disclosed that the regional bloc had developed a draft response matrix to mitigate the anticipated fallout of the crisis, especially on food security.
According to him, the framework, which will be presented to regional Ministers of Agriculture, is designed to provide a comprehensive policy guide linking external shocks to targeted responses.
He explained that the matrix outlines both short-term stabilisation measures and long-term reforms aimed at strengthening resilience, reducing vulnerabilities, and ensuring coordinated regional action.
Highlighting priority areas, Samuel said CARICOM countries must strengthen collaboration in procurement, logistics, and strategic food reserves, while accelerating investments in renewable energy and resilient agricultural systems.
He also stressed the need for improved policy alignment among member states to enable swift collective responses to external shocks, alongside strengthening regional institutions responsible for food security and economic monitoring.
“While the region is geographically distant from the conflict, our economies remain highly exposed to global shocks transmitted through energy markets, food systems, and international supply chains,” he said.
Samuel further noted that CARICOM states remain structurally vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on imports of food, fuel, fertilisers, and shipping services, making them susceptible to global disruptions.
He warned that rising inflation, declining food affordability, and fiscal pressures are immediate concerns for governments in the region, rather than distant risks.
The CARICOM official emphasised the importance of understanding the transmission channels of global shocks and advancing practical, coordinated policy responses to safeguard the region’s economic stability.
Kyiv Shooting: Six Killed, 14 Injured as Gunman Dies in Police Shoot-out
No fewer than six persons were killed and 14 others injured on Saturday after a gunman opened fire on residents in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, before taking hostages in a supermarket in the southern Holosiivskyi district.
Authorities confirmed that the attacker was later killed during a shoot-out with security operatives, bringing an end to the tense standoff that left the city reeling.
Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Igor Klymenko, disclosed that two police officers who were seen in a viral video abandoning civilians at the scene had been suspended, adding that an investigation into their conduct had commenced.
Footage circulating online showed officers reportedly withdrawing from the scene as the attack unfolded, sparking outrage and raising concerns over police response.
Klymenko, in a statement posted on Telegram, stressed the need for accountability. He said, “‘Serve and protect’ is not just a slogan. It must be supported by appropriate professional actions, especially at critical moments when people’s lives depend on it.”
He, however, cautioned against generalising the conduct of the entire police force based on the actions of a few officers.
Further condemning the officers’ behaviour, a senior official, Zhukov, told a press conference on Sunday that they “failed to assess the situation properly and left civilians in danger,” describing their actions as “unprofessional and unworthy.”
Zhukov subsequently announced his resignation, stating, “As a combat officer, I have decided to submit my resignation from the position I currently hold.”
Ukrainian authorities have classified the incident as a terrorist act, although the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Klymenko noted that the suspect’s mental state appeared “clearly unstable.”
Eight of the injured victims are still receiving treatment in hospital, with one adult reported to be in extremely critical condition, while three others remain in serious condition.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a reaction on Sunday, criticised the officers involved, stating that they were present at the scene but “did not stop the murderer and fled on their own.”
He described their actions as “inaction” and confirmed that a criminal investigation had been launched, which would also examine their previous service records.
“We are going through a war and every day, unfortunately, there are human losses from Russian strikes. It is especially painful to lose people like this, in an ordinary city, just on the street,” Zelensky said.
Authorities have begun releasing details about the victims, revealing that one of those killed was the father of a child injured during the attack, while another victim was believed to be the child’s aunt.
The gunman, identified as a 58-year-old man originally from Moscow, had reportedly been residing in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district prior to the incident.
Officials said he previously lived in the eastern Donetsk region, an area heavily impacted by conflict and Russian occupation.
Investigators confirmed that the firearm used in the attack was legally registered.
However, efforts are ongoing to determine how the suspect obtained and renewed the necessary licence.
Although Kyiv has frequently been targeted in the ongoing war with Russia, officials noted that incidents of this nature remain rare in the city.
Klymenko ruled out an immediate mass review of gun ownership laws, insisting that citizens should retain the right to armed self-defence, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing security challenges.
Ukrainian law permits civilians to own non-automatic firearms under strict licensing conditions, including the absence of a criminal record or history of mental illness.
US-Iran Standoff Intensifies Despite Proposed Talks
Crisis between the United States and Iran have escalated sharply despite fresh diplomatic efforts, as conflicting claims over proposed talks and renewed threats deepen uncertainty over the ongoing standoffs.
United States President, Donald Trump, on Sunday announced that an American delegation would arrive in Pakistan for another round of negotiations aimed at ending the war, now in its eighth week.
The delegation is expected to be led by Vice-President JD Vance, marking a continuation of high-level engagement after earlier talks in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough.
However, Iran’s state media swiftly dismissed reports of fresh negotiations, describing them as untrue, even as Washington insisted talks would proceed, highlighting growing mistrust between both sides.
The renewed diplomatic push comes amid rising hostilities, with both countries trading accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement.
Trump accused Iran of breaching the truce after reports of gunfire directed at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, warning that such actions could derail ongoing peace efforts.
In response, Tehran accused the United States of breaching the same agreement by maintaining a blockade on Iranian ports, further complicating negotiations.
The situation has had immediate global implications, as shipping activities in the Strait of Hormuz have again been disrupted following Iran’s decision to shut the waterway.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper reports that the strait handles a significant portion of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.
Amid the escalating standoff, Trump issued fresh warnings, threatening to target key Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if a deal is not reached.
Despite the tough rhetoric, the US leader maintained that negotiations remain the preferred path, even as uncertainty surrounds Iran’s willingness to participate.
Background checks show that the latest move follows a marathon round of talks held in Islamabad last week, which lasted over 20 hours but ended without agreement, with both sides divided over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks were the highest-level direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in decades, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis.
Analysts say the core disagreement remains unresolved, with the US demanding stricter limits on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Iran insists on sanctions relief and security guarantees before making concessions.
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