In the wake of a brutal Israeli assault on Iranian cities that left dozens dead, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday delivered a clear message to the Israeli occupation and its Western sponsors: continued violations will be met with severe and painful retaliation.

Speaking in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Pezeshkian condemned the use of Iraqi airspace in the attack as a serious breach of sovereignty and international law. "The violation of Iraqi airspace to attack Iran is clear evidence of the criminality of the Israeli entity and its violation of international norms," he said, stressing the urgent need for Iraq to take greater measures to protect its skies from being used as corridors for aggression.

On June 13, "Israel" launched an unprovoked aggression on Iran that killed dozens, including children, senior IRGC commanders, and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with Operation True Promise 3, unleashing hundreds of drones and missiles on Israeli military installations, an attack Tel Aviv officials described as causing "unprecedented destruction."

Defensive Resolve

Reiterating that Iran had acted in self-defense, Pezeshkian affirmed, "Iran was not the one to start the war, but it responded decisively, and if the aggression continues, our responses will be more painful and severe." He called on all nations committed to peace and regional stability to take a clear and unified stand against Israeli aggression.

The Iranian leader also issued a broader appeal to Muslim-majority nations, warning that inaction in the face of Israeli violations would only embolden further destabilization. 

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"All Islamic countries today bear a historic responsibility to respond decisively to Israeli violations," he said, urging Iraq specifically to ensure its territory and airspace are not exploited for hostile operations against neighboring states.

Read more: MBS says Islamic world backs Iran in call with Pezeshkian

In a parallel show of solidarity, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani affirmed, "Iraq stands in the same trench with Iran," describing Tehran's retaliatory strikes as a legitimate and dignified defense. "The response by Iran to Israeli aggression is a source of pride for us and a legitimate right for Iran," he noted.

Al-Sudani announced Iraq's intention to file a formal complaint at the United Nations Security Council over the airspace violation and confirmed that the Foreign Ministry and Iraq's UN mission had been instructed to take practical steps to prevent future breaches.

"Iraq's readiness to provide all necessary assistance to address the consequences of the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, as part of the solidarity that unites Islamic countries," he added.

Resistance Warning

Meanwhile, broader Iraqi opposition groups, including the Hezbollah Brigades, echoed Baghdad's warning to foreign powers. In a statement released Sunday, the group threatened retaliation against US bases across the region should Washington intervene militarily on "Israel's" behalf.

Citing Iran's independent military strength, the Brigades called for the expulsion of US forces from Iraq, labeling them "the clearest and most dangerous threat to Iraq's security and the stability of the region."

Read more: Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades warns US against intervention in war on Iran