Tehran, February 28,2026: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday strongly condemned what it described as criminal military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime, warning that Iran will respond decisively in accordance with international law.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to the Iranian nation, the Foreign Ministry said that early this morning—on the eve of Nowruz and the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan—US and Israeli forces carried out airstrikes against multiple targets, including defense infrastructure and civilian sites, in several Iranian cities. The ministry said the attacks constituted a “gross violation” of Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
The statement noted that the military aggression occurred at a time when Iran and the United States were engaged in a diplomatic process, stressing that Tehran had entered negotiations in good faith to demonstrate its commitment to peace and to expose the illegitimacy of any justification for aggression.
“Now the Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” the statement said, adding that while Iran remained ready for diplomacy, it was “more prepared than ever” to defend the country. It warned that the armed forces of Iran would respond to the aggressors “with authority.”
The Foreign Ministry described the airstrikes as a clear violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and an act of armed aggression. It asserted that Iran’s response would be based on its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the Charter, emphasizing that all capabilities would be used to repel what it termed a criminal attack.
Iran also called on the United Nations and its Security Council to take immediate action, urging the UN Secretary-General and Council members to fulfill their responsibilities in addressing what it said was a serious threat to international peace and security.
The statement further appealed to UN member states—particularly regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all states committed to global peace—to firmly condemn the attacks and take urgent collective action.
Concluding on a defiant note, the Foreign Ministry said the Iranian armed forces, inspired by the country’s historical legacy and relying on national unity and faith, would not hesitate to defend the homeland. “History shows that Iranians have never surrendered to foreign aggression,” the statement said, warning that the response to the attacks would be “decisive and determining.”
