US, Israel Launch Airstrikes on Iran; Tehran Declares Right to Retaliate, Urges OIC Action

TEHRAN: Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Saturday after Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Israeli and United States airstrikes targeted multiple sites inside Iranian territory, describing the attacks as a “blatant act of aggression” and a violation of international law.
In a strongly worded statement, Tehran declared a state of readiness for defense and asserted its right to retaliate under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a sovereign state.
According to the statement, the strikes hit both military infrastructure and certain civilian sites across the country. Iranian officials condemned the timing of the attacks, noting that they occurred during the holy month of Ramadan and shortly before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The Foreign Ministry described the operation as a calculated escalation that threatens regional peace and stability.
“The United States and the Israeli regime have violated the UN Charter and committed an overt act of aggression,” the statement read, warning that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to use “all available capabilities” to respond decisively.
Iran further claimed that the strikes took place while diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington were ongoing. The Foreign Ministry asserted that despite being aware of potential hostile intentions, Iran had continued negotiations to demonstrate its commitment to dialogue and to remove any pretext for military confrontation.
Tehran has formally called upon the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to take immediate action in response to what it termed a serious breach of international peace and security. The statement also urged UN member states, especially regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement and nations committed to international peace, to condemn the attacks and take collective measures.
In a direct appeal to the Muslim world, Iran called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to convene an emergency meeting to address the situation and formulate a unified response. Iranian officials stressed that the aggression was not solely an issue concerning one country but a broader matter of regional sovereignty and dignity.
As of press time, neither Washington nor Tel Aviv had issued detailed public statements outlining the objectives of the strikes. However, Western security analysts suggest that escalating tensions surrounding regional security concerns and Iran’s military capabilities may have contributed to the confrontation.
Regional capitals are closely monitoring developments amid fears of wider escalation. Analysts warn that any direct retaliatory action by Iran could trigger a broader cycle of military exchanges, potentially destabilizing already fragile theaters across the Middle East. Energy markets also reacted nervously, with concerns mounting over possible disruptions to key shipping lanes in the Gulf.
Diplomatic observers caution that if backchannel negotiations were indeed underway, the strikes could significantly complicate prospects for de-escalation. International mediation efforts may now become critical to prevent further deterioration.
In its concluding remarks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared that “at a time when a great test of history has arrived,” the country would defend its homeland with unwavering resolve. The statement emphasized that Iran’s response would be aimed at deterring future aggression.
With rhetoric intensifying and military readiness heightened, the region stands at a critical juncture. Whether the coming days bring escalation or urgent diplomatic engagement may determine the trajectory of stability across the Middle East.