Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has described the Islamic Republic’s recent military action against Israeli military and security sites as an act of self-defense. This comes amid escalating tensions in Gaza and Lebanon. Araghchi emphasized that the strike was in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which grants nations the right to self-defense. His statements followed an operation that targeted Israeli bases responsible for what he termed “genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.”
In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Araghchi shared a picture of Gaza, stating that Iran had exercised “tremendous restraint” for nearly two months, hoping for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the continued Israeli aggression, including the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, triggered Iran’s response. “Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful,” he warned.
Araghchi also criticized Israel’s international allies, urging them to “rein in the warmongers in Tel Aviv” instead of supporting their military actions. The foreign minister reiterated that Iran had acted within its rights under international law and had only targeted military and security bases.
Later, in phone calls with his British, German, and French counterparts, Araghchi briefed them on the framework of the military operation and stressed Iran’s desire to avoid escalating tensions, though he maintained that the country was prepared for a stronger response if provoked.
Meanwhile, Israel has eased emergency guidelines in some areas but continues to warn residents of the Beirut suburb targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to evacuate. The warning signals the potential for further strikes in Lebanon, where tensions remain high.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that the U.S. military had intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran towards Israel. Austin emphasized the United States’ continued support for Israel’s defense, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that our allies in the region are protected from any potential threat.”
Russia responded to the Iranian strike, calling it a reaction to the Israeli regime’s continued military operations in the region and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized U.S. foreign policy in the region, calling it a “complete failure” and blaming the escalation on the Biden administration’s ineffective approach.
On the U.S. side, former President Donald Trump weighed in, stating that the U.S. would inevitably be involved in the Middle East conflict. Trump commended Israel for its defense efforts but criticized the current administration’s handling of the situation, claiming that peace had been within reach before tensions flared up under the Biden administration.
The conflict has also become a focal point in U.S. politics, as seen in the recent vice-presidential debate between Republican nominee JD Vance and Democratic nominee Tim Walz. The candidates debated whether Israel should take preemptive action against Iran, underscoring the broader implications of the conflict as the Middle East remains a central issue in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
