Two Iranian soldiers martyred; Iran maintains right to self-defense

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Oct 2024 14:33

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly denounced "Israel's" recent attack on Iranian territory as a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

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An undated image of the Iranian Foreign Ministry (MEHR News Agency)

Two Iranian soldiers were martyred while confronting the projectiles of the criminal Zionist regime in order to defend the security of Iran and prevent harm to the nation and the interests of the country, the Iranian Army announced.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement following the Israeli attack on Iranian territory, condemning the Zionist regime's aggression and calling it a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly the principle prohibiting threats or use of force against a nation's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The statement emphasized that Iran, in accordance with its inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, considered it both justified and necessary to protect itself from foreign aggression.

It also reiterated Iran's commitment to using all available resources, both material and spiritual, to safeguard its national security and vital interests. The Ministry expressed gratitude to peace-seeking nations in the region and worldwide for condemning "Israel's" hostile actions.

The statement further noted that the ongoing Israeli occupation, illegal activities, and crimes in the region, particularly the genocide against Palestinians and attacks on Lebanon, are the primary causes of tension and instability.

These actions, the Ministry argued, persist under the military and political support of the United States and other Western nations.

Furthermore, the Ministry called on all UN member states, signatories of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the 1949 Geneva Conventions to take urgent collective measures to address the blatant Israeli violations of international law and the UN Charter.

On his part, the spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Ebrahim Rezaei said the Israelis are "too weak to seriously harm Greater Iran."

"The Zionist enemy is like small money(coins), it only makes noise but has no value and effect," he wrote on his X account.

"Zionists are too weak to seriously harm Greater Iran," Rezaei affirmed.

Iran's air defenses foil multiple Israeli attacks on military bases

Israeli warplanes launched an aggression on Iran, as explosions were heard in several areas, including the capital Tehran, early on Saturday. Attacks renewed at around 4:30 am, as footage circulated of several successful interceptions near the capital.

The Israeli military command confirmed that its Air Force is conducting strikes on "military targets" in Iran.

Footage shows #Iranian air defense actively intercepting hostile targets over #Tehran. pic.twitter.com/TCNeUbT20m
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 26, 2024

It also warned Israeli settlers, urging them to remain "alert and vigilant," in a statement.

At least three explosions were heard near Tehran, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Iran reported.

Later, our correspondent said that Israeli warplanes attempted to target three bases in Tehran Province, which includes multiple counties. However, Iranian air defenses were able to intercept the incoming attack.

Our correspondent slammed reports about strikes on the Imam Khomeini International Airport and energy facilities as false. However, explosions were heard in the city of Eslamshahr, south of the capital city, Tehran.

Later, footage shared from inside the facility showed normal activity.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent noted that the sounds of explosions heard in Tehran were related to air defense activities, adding that the situation in the Iranian capital is completely stable.

Iranian air defenses successfully intercepted hostile targets aimed at military bases in the southern and western parts of Tehran Province, outside the capital city itself, our correspondent pointed out.

Sources confirmed to Al Mayadeen that the Imam Khomeini International Airport and the Mehrabad International Airport were not targeted.

Air defenses foil second wave of Israeli attacks

Hours after the first attack was launched, another wave of aerial targets was detected over Iran, at around 4:30 am. Medium-range air defenses were activated to shoot down all hostile objects over Tehran, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported.

Footage also circulated of successful interceptions over eastern areas in the Tehran province.

Later, informed sources revealed that multiple Israeli drones were launched toward Iranian air defense bases in eastern Tehran, only to be shot down.

'Israel' announces an end to its aggression

At around 6:00 am (local time) the Israeli military command announced an end to its aggression on Iran, saying that its operations which involved dozens of aircraft were successful.

The military command alleged that the results of the attacks will be "revealed in time."