Iranian Retaliatory Strikes An Inherent Right of Self-Defense: Foreign Ministry

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a statement in the early hours of Sunday that the IRGC Aerospace Force had launched tens of missiles and drones in retaliation for the Israeli regime’s recent airstrike that killed several Iranian military commanders and advisers in Syria.

In a statement later in the day, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the strikes as an act of self-defense and an inherent right based on the UN Charter.  

“On April 14, 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces have carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli's military bases in response to, and in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense as recognized under Article 51 of the UN Charter, against Israel's recurring military aggressions, resulting in the martyrdom of the Iranian military advisors present in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government, in particular the April 1 armed attack against diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus,” the statement read.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, while reiterating its determination to forcefully defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any unlawful use of force and aggressions,” it added.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s resort to defensive measures in exercise of its right of self-defense demonstrates Iran’s responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security at a time when the occupying apartheid regime’s pattern of relentless genocidal campaign against Palestinian people is accompanied with repeated military aggressions against neighboring States and fanning the flames across the region and beyond,” the Foreign Ministry stressed.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force,” it went on to say.