WANA (Jul 13) – Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning the U.S. military strikes carried out against Iran over the past 24 hours, describing them as a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4), and a serious threat to international peace and security.

 

According to the statement, the attacks came just 25 days after the signing of the ceasefire agreement and constituted a breach of the commitments made under that understanding. The ministry said the strikes targeted Iran’s transportation infrastructure, fishing boats, cargo vessels, and meteorological facilities, describing the attacks as war crimes. It added that the military action had undermined months of efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability in West Asia.

 

The statement further said that U.S. actions had disrupted Iran’s implementation of arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in renewed insecurity in the strategic waterway and disruptions to international commercial shipping. It also stated that the use of the territory and facilities of several southern Persian Gulf states to launch military operations against Iran had drawn those countries into what it described as an unlawful war against the Iranian people.

 

Reaffirming Iran’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Foreign Ministry warned against any participation or cooperation with the attacking parties. It stated that, under international law, neighboring countries are obligated to prevent their territory and facilities from being used to launch military attacks against Iran, adding that the origin of such attacks would be considered a legitimate target for defensive operations by Iran’s armed forces.

 

The statement also said that the United States had continued what it described as a campaign of misinformation and false reporting while violating its commitments. It rejected as “entirely false” remarks by the U.S. president regarding the outcome of the Muscat talks, stating that the negotiations had focused on arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz and maritime transit routes, and that U.S. pressure on Oman had prevented the talks from producing an agreement.

 

The Foreign Ministry also expressed regret over what it described as the UN Secretariat’s unconstructive approach toward U.S. actions. It called on the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities in addressing violations of international peace and security and to hold those responsible for the attacks against Iran accountable.