Press Release on Invoking Iran’s Inherent Right to SelfDefense in Response to Israeli Regime’s Armed Attack on Iran’s Diplomatic Premises in Damascus
Statement of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi
on Invoking Iran’s Inherent Right to Self-Defense under International Law in Response to Israeli Regime’s Armed Attack on Iran’s Diplomatic Premises in Damascus Syria
Nairobi Monday April 15 2024.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, all Diplomatic/Consular Missions and International Organizations accredited to the Republic of Kenya and has the honor to announce that in response to the Zionist regime of Israel's military attacks against the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic, which led to the martyrdom of seven Iranian senior military advisors, in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of legitimate military responses on Israeli Regime's military objectives.
The response was in the exercise of Iran's inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and a necessary and proportionate response to the Zionist Regime of Israeli's recurring military aggressions, particularly its heynious attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations. The legitimate military response by the Islamic Republic of Iran was a precise action and carried out carefully to minimize the potential for escalation and prevent harm to civilians and also deterent any recurrence of such trerroristic attacks on Iran, its interests or its diplomatic premesises.
Following the aforementioned Israeli regime's cowardly terrorist attacks which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran has notified the UNSC of Israeli regime's acts in breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as on Iran’s inherent right under international law to respond to such terrorist military attacks (A/78/838-S/2024/281). The Israeli regime's acts constitutes an egregious breach of the fundamental and universally recognized principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular representatives and premises, which serves as a cornerstone of international relations.
In addition, in a phone conversation with the UN Secretary-General on 2nd April, Iran’s Foreign Minister discussed the situation and called for taking appropriate action and strong condemnation from the international community and the Security Council for this horrific crime.
Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law. Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security.
Such a failure was caused by obstruction from 3 permanent members namely, the US, the UK, and France who already blocked the Security Council for over six months to shield Israel from any responsibility for the Gaza massacre. Faced with such circumstances, the Islamic Republic of Iran had no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under international law.
As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region.
While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or acts of aggression and to respond to any such threat or aggressions vigorously and in accordance with international law.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran's response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, all Diplomatic/Consular Missions and International Organizations accredited to the Republic of Kenya the assurances of its highest consideration.