Iran reserves right to respond to Israeli aggression: UN Envoy
Iran's envoy to the United Nations stressed that "Israel's" aggression on Iran's critical infrastructure is a violation of international law and the UN charter.
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Iran’s ambassador to the UN Amir Saied Iravani. (United Nations)
In a letter addressed to the President of the Security Council and to the UN secretary general, Iran's ambassador to the UN, Amir Saied Iravani, said that Iran reserves the right to respond to "Israel's" aggression, following a terrorist drone attack on a military defense complex in Isfahan that was intercepted by Iran's air defense systems last Saturday.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its legitimate and inherent right, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, to defend its national security and respond resolutely to any threats or wrongful actions by the Israeli regime, wherever and whenever deemed necessary," the letter reads.
The envoy stressed that "Israel's" aggression on Iran's critical infrastructure is a violation of international law and the UN charter.
The terror attack in Isfahan was "not the first instance where the Israeli regime has made threats to use force or carried out criminal and terrorist acts within Iranian territory," wherein the regime has "openly admitted to its involvement in these reprehensible crimes."
"Hence, it must be held accountable for all criminal and terrorist acts committed against Iran and face the consequences without exception," Iravani said.
He called on the Security Council to condemn "Israel’s" "warmongering statements and acts of terrorism, including state terrorism," which threaten regional and international security.
"The Security Council must also demand that the Israeli regime comply with international law and cease its dangerous plans and malicious activities in the region," the Iranian diplomat added.
Read more: Fearing Iranian revenge, the Israeli occupation raises level of alert
Parts to target building smuggled into Iran from Iraqi Kurdistan
On Wednesday, Iran's Nour news agency said the small-scale UAV used in the attack on the Ministry of Defense workshop complex in Isfahan was assembled and used in an equipped workshop, with the assistance of trained forces, after being transferred to the country by Kurdish opposition groups.
According to the news outlet, parts of small-scale UAVs, as well as explosive materials, were smuggled into Iran with the support and guidance of Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
Additionally, upon orders from a foreign security service, and after receiving parts of the UAVs and explosive materials, the group smuggled them from one of the inaccessible routes in the northwest of Iran, and delivered them to a liaison in one of Iran's border cities, according to the outlet.
In his letter, Iravani also expressed outrage over controversial comments made by Mykhailo Podolyak, the senior advisor to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, regarding the recent drone attack in the city of Isfahan.
Podolyak's controversial remarks were made in a tweet on Sunday, as he seemingly expressed joy over the attack, saying “Ukraine did warn you.”
War logic is inexorable & murderous. It bills the authors & accomplices strictly.
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) January 29, 2023
Panic in RF - endless mobilization, missile defense in Moscow, trenches 1000 km away, bomb shelters preparation.
Explosive night in Iran - drone & missile production, oil refineries.
🇺🇦 did warn you
Iravani stressed that such behavior is intolerable and must be dealt with accordingly, while reiterating the fact that Iran's principled position on the conflict in Ukraine remains one based on neutrality.
Read more: Three Iranian aid trucks attacked on Iraqi-Syrian border: Sources
On Tuesday, the Iranian Permanent Mission to the UN warned that any military action by the US against Iran will be considered a declaration of war to be followed by retaliation.
The mission told US News magazine: "In Iran's perspective, the use of the military option at any level means US entry into the war. For now, Iran considers such a possibility to be weak,"
According to the outlet citing the mission, in case the US "miscalculates and starts a war," then it could only blame itself for the consequences "for the region and the world," adding that Iran would be able to ensure its own defense and the security of its interests.
The US, so far, has rejected and denied having a hand in the drone attack in Isfahan, which is also believed to be an "Israel"-instigated attack.
Read more: "Israel" to pay the price over failed drone attack in Isfahan: Marandi
