'Israel' crossed the line, aggression is war declaration: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urges the UN Security Council to condemn "Israel's" military aggression, calling it a violation of Iran's sovereignty and a declaration of war.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, steps out from his plane as he arrives in Muscat, Oman, Friday, April 25, 2025, a day prior to negotiations with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that "Israel has crossed every red line" in its hostilities against Iran, calling the Israeli attacks on Iran this Friday "a declaration of war."
In a letter to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, Araghchi urged an emergency meeting to address "Israel’s" military actions against Iran, insisting that "the matter must be dealt with immediately." Araghchi urged the UN Security Council to fulfill its obligations under the UN Charter, demanding that it condemn the attack and take swift, decisive action to hold "Israel" accountable.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also reaffirmed his country’s determination to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, stating that "Israel’s attacks on Iran constitute a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as an independent UN member state."
Earlier on Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a televised address, "The Iranian people and the nation's officials will never remain silent in the face of this brazen aggression," emphasizing that "the enemy will receive a legitimate, forceful, and decisive response that will make it regret its foolish act."
Pezeshkian vows devastating response to 'Israel's' aggression
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed on Friday that the Islamic Republic of Iran would deliver a powerful and legitimate response to "Israel's" act of aggression, warning that the enemy will deeply regret its actions.
"Israel" launched a major attack on Iran in the early hours of Friday, targeting residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure across Iran.
In a televised address to the nation, Pezeshkian clarified that Iran would not remain silent in the face of "Israel's" criminal and internationally unlawful attack.
“The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish action,” he declared.
The Iranian president condemned the Israeli aggression as a blatant violation of international norms, describing it as yet another example of "Israel's" criminal behavior.
“The aggression was in violation of all international obligations and displayed the savage and criminal nature of the child-killing and aggressive Zionist regime on the international stage,” Pezeshkian said.
'Israel' launches massive aggression on Iran
The first wave of attacks was carried out at dawn Friday, when "Israel" targeted residential buildings, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure across Iran.
In an official statement, the Israeli military said it carried out a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran, “with the goal of damaging Iran’s nuclear program."
Later on Friday, "Israel" launched a second wave of attacks, targeting multiple provinces across the country.
According to Iranian state media, one of the primary targets was the Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province, a critical component of Iran's nuclear program that has been repeatedly targeted in past Israeli sabotage efforts.
In the northwest, a fire erupted at Tabriz Airport in East Azerbaijan Province after it was hit by an Israeli strike, with online footage showing smoke and flames engulfing the area alongside the caption "Tabriz Airport Now," while Iranian television also reported explosions in the surrounding vicinity.
According to Iran's Fars news agency, the Israeli strikes on residential areas in Tehran resulted in 78 fatalities and 329 injuries.