Iran says US strikes violate international law, hits back at US bases

Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday declaring that the US overnight strikes on Iranian territory were a clear violation of the UN Charter and fundamental international law. The statement, carried by IRNA news agency, argued that the attacks contravened Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state. Iran said its national sovereignty and territorial integrity had been targeted, and that it had responded in self-defense by targeting US bases and military assets in the region.

Call for accountability

Tehran reiterated its call to regional countries not to allow their territories to be used for planning or supporting attacks on Iran. The Foreign Ministry also called on the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General to fulfill their duties in maintaining international peace and security and to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are held accountable. The statement came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an AH-64 Apache helicopter had crashed near the coast of Oman while on patrol, with both crew members rescued. The US cited the downing of the helicopter as justification for strikes on southern Iran.