Russia to back Iran's right to retaliate against 'Israel' at UN: FM
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Sergey Lavrov has affirmed that Russia supports Iran's response against Israeli aggression.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian greet each other during their meeting in Tehran, Monday, October 23, 2023. (AP)
In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia would vehemently back Iran's response against "Israel" at the United Nations Security Council.
Lavrov additionally affirmed that the Iranian response was "responsible and within an interval of self-control," and noted that Russia never doubted Iran's intention to retaliate against "Israel's" aggression against its consulate and officials in Syria.
He also described the aversion of certain countries to condemn "Israel's" attack against the Iranian consulate as "unfortunate".
On his part, Amir-Abdollahian warned that his nation's retaliation to any Israeli aggression against its territories and assets would be much harsher and stronger. He added that Operation True Promise was limited and served as deterrence, punishment, and warning against the occupation.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Vice-President of the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran for International Affairs, stated that the Iranian retaliatory response was a legal act guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations and international law.
According to the Iranian aide, international organizations cannot legally consider the move as a violation of international banners and regulations, noting that if human rights were to be considered when dealing with such situations, then Israeli crimes must take the priority of condemnation and accountability.
He stated that "Iran is not looking for war, but if it were attacked, then its response would be decisive."
Iranian UN mission: Time has come to hold 'Israel' accountable
Earlier, Iran's representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, confirmed that the Iranian operation came within the framework of self-defense and as permitted by international law, and only targeted military sites to avoid civilian targets, in contrast to what "Israel" did in Syria.
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."
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 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 added, "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: Iranian strike signals intent of taking 'new escalatory risks': WSJ
