Iran Defends Israel Strikes as Self-Defense, Warns of Stronger Retaliation

(MENAFN) Iran said early Monday that its recent attacks on northern Israel were carried out in “self-defense,” arguing they were a response to repeated ceasefire violations and ongoing strikes linked to Lebanon and Iranian interests.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the operations were conducted under what it called a “legitimate right to self-defense” under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It accused Israel of repeatedly breaching an April 8 ceasefire agreement and escalating military actions in the region.

The ministry also alleged that Israel had acted in coordination with the United States in recent incidents, including what it described as attacks on Iranian ships and facilities in southern Iran.

It further accused both Washington and Tel Aviv of engaging in what it termed “maritime piracy.”

Iran said its armed forces targeted multiple military sites in northern Israel late Sunday, framing the strikes as a direct response to ongoing regional developments.

The statement also stressed that the ceasefire in Lebanon was, in its view, part of a broader April 8 understanding. It placed responsibility on the United States for what it described as Israeli violations and warned that further escalation could trigger a stronger response from Tehran.

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