Iran Slams UN 'Inaction', Asserts Right To Self-Defence Against 'Zionist Regime' Aggression

Iran asserted its inherent right to “self-defence” in response to what it termed as the “Zionist regime’s aggression” against its diplomatic premises in Syria's Damascus.

Iran has asserted its inherent right to “self-defence” in response to what it termed as the “Zionist regime’s aggression” against its diplomatic premises in Damascus, Syria, as per a press statement issued by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India on Friday. Notably, the term ‘Zionist’ is used to denote someone who belongs to or supports the political movement that had as its original aim the creation of a country for Jewish people, and that now supports the state of Israel. 

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible member of the United Nations, emphasizing its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law, in response to the Zionist regime's heinous military aggression and unlawful use of force against diplomatic premises of Iran in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic on 1st April 2024, implemented its inherent right of SELF defence in accordance with the Article 51 of the UN Charter on 14th April 2024," the statement read. 

The statement highlighted Iran’s commitment to the principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations and the rule of law. It condemned the “heinous military aggression” and “unlawful use of force” by the Zionist regime on Iran’s diplomatic premises in Syria on April 1. 

Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran stated that it exercised its right to self-defence on April 14, the day it launched a drone salvo at Iran. The action, according to Iran, was in response to the Zionist regime’s violation of International law and targetting of diplomatic premises. 

Iran emphasised that its response was strictly in compliance with International regulations, with no harm caused to civilians. It condemned the “Israeli aggression” as a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 and other international norms. 

The statement further expressed disappointment with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for failing to address the blatant violation effectively.

"UNSC has failed to fulfil its duty in a right, fair, unbiased and undiscriminating manner. Consequently, there was no other choice rather than resorting to the inherent right of SELF DEFENSE as articulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter, aimed at defending our nation, national security and sovereignty," the statement said.