The article states the prohibition on use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state. The ministry said the strikes threatened international peace and security and had undone months of efforts to reduce tension in West Asia.
Also Read: US launches fresh attacks against Iran as both sides dispute status of Strait of Hormuz
US Central Command confirmed the strikes, saying the operation was intended to further erode Tehran’s capacity to threaten civilian sailors and commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry said the strikes came just 25 days after a deal to end the war was signed and accused Washington of violating “almost all components” of that agreement by striking Iranian transportation infrastructure, fishing boats, cargo barges, meteorological facilities and other buildings.
Iran’s Health Ministry had on Thursday reported that the renewed American airstrikes, which followed Iran’s attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, had killed 14 people and wounded another 78, with most of the dead reportedly members of the armed forces.
Also Read: Iran expands attacks on Gulf states after US strikes, says Strait of Hormuz closed
Iran also alleged that the US had interfered in its efforts to manage the Strait of Hormuz, claiming this had caused renewed insecurity in the waterway and disrupted international shipping. While asserting its intent to defend its sovereignty, Tehran warned that any country allowing its territory to be used for operations against Iran would be treated as a “legitimate target” for retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces, a warning hinted at Gulf states hosting US facilities.
The ministry disputed the US president’s account of talks held in Muscat, calling it “a complete lie” and asserting instead that the discussions had focused only on managing the Strait of Hormuz and shipping routes.
It further claimed that Washington had blocked a resolution through “overt and covert pressure” in Oman.
Iran also criticised the UN Secretariat’s handling of the matter, calling its response “unconstructive,” and called on the UN Secretary-General and Security Council to investigate and hold those it deems responsible accountable.
Also Read: Asian shares decline, oil prices rise post fresh US attacks on Iran
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a separate statement carried by the IRNA news agency, said its drone attacks on US bases in the region would continue, targeting defence and missile systems, bunkers and support shelters. The army said Iran’s armed forces would use their full capabilities to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and population against further aggression.
Separately, foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei characterised Iran’s own strikes on US bases in the Gulf as lawful self-defence, dating the start of hostilities to February 28. He called on regional states to stop allowing Washington to use their territory as a launchpad against Iran and reiterated the country’s insistence on the term “Persian Gulf,” citing UN directives from 1994 and 1999.
