Iran MFA: Iran's retaliation against 'Israel' professional, necessary
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Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson says that Iran's response to the Israeli aggression on its consulate in Syria was rational and responsible.
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In this photo released on August 11, 2022, by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, spokesperson Nasser Kanaani speaks in Tehran, Iran. (AP)
The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that Iran's military operation against "Israel" was an act of "self-defense and a response" to the occupation's aggression on the Islamic Republic's consulate in Syria, which resulted in the martyrdom of several senior IRGC officials.
"We acted professionally, and our response to Israel was rational and responsible," Nasser Kanaani said.
He also added that while "this step was necessary and proportionate due to the irresponsible behavior of the Zionist entity and the West," Tehran does not seek further tension in the region.
Kanaani held the UN Security Council responsible for not fulfilling its natural role regarding the aggression on the Iranian consulate, prompting the Islamic Republic to respond. He warned that Iran "will respond with greater force and more determination to any attack or violation of its red lines."
The spokesperson pointed out that there was no agreement between Tehran and "any other party" regarding recent operations against the occupation entity.
"Therefore, Iran did not seek permission from anyone for the operation," Kanaani reiterated.
Messages between Iran and the United States "were limited to holding Washington responsible for the consequences, as it is the one that gives Israel approval for its attacks," in reference to the consulate strike and a potential Israeli attack on Iran.
Time to hold 'Israel' accountable
Iran's representative to the United Nations, Amir Saied Iravani, reaffirmed that the Iranian operation was carried out within the framework of self-defense, as permitted by international law, and only targeted military sites to avoid non-military casualties, unlike what "Israel" has done in Syria, in reference to its assassination of top IRGC members.
He explained that the retaliatory attack came in "the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and recognized by international law."
Read more: Iran to respond to any renewed aggression against its interests: MFA
During the emergency meeting of the Security Council to discuss the Iranian response, Iran's representative to the United Nations attacked Western countries that challenged Iran's right to respond to aggression, stressing that these countries protect the crimes of genocide committed by "Israel".
He continued, "Iran has exercised restraint for a long time, but the time has come to hold Israel accountable for its crimes."
Iravani stressed that the Security Council must fulfill its duty under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter in response to the Israeli recklessness, adding "It is time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and address the real threat to international peace and security."
He also added that Iran has no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region.
"We demonstrated our commitment to peace by exercising restraint about involving the US Army in intercepting Iranian drones and missiles bound for military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories," reaffirming that this underscores Iran's dedication to de-escalating tensions in the region and avoiding expanding the war.
Read more: Exclusive: Iran op. bolstered Resistance, weakened 'Israel': Marandi
Operation successful
The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, announced on Sunday that two important Israeli military sites were targeted in Iran's response, confirming that the attack was more successful than anticipated.
According to Bagheri, the Israeli intelligence's headquarters in "Mount Hermon," and the Nevatim Air Base were destroyed in the operation carried out earlier today, dubbed Operation True Promise.
The first base provided "Israel" with information on the consulate in Damascus, while the F-35 used to carry out the strikes took off from the airbase.
"The operation's purposes have been fulfilled," Bagheri declared.
