The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Abuja has called on the United Nations, governments and the international community to speak out against what it described as continued United States military attacks on Iran and the killing of civilians.
The embassy made the call in a statement issued on Friday, following what it said were US attacks on August 30 and renewed strikes on September 1 in different parts of Iran.
According to the Iranian embassy, the attacks violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and amounted to “a blatant act of military aggression by a foreign power against an independent state.”
The embassy insisted that Iran did not initiate the conflict, arguing that the country had the right to defend itself under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
It said Iran’s response to the attacks was aimed at protecting its citizens and territory while preventing further military action against the country.
The embassy also alleged that civilians were among the major casualties of the attacks, particularly in southern Iran.
It cited an incident on September 1 in Bandar Kuhestak, Sirik County, where it said an attack affected a wedding ceremony and resulted in 68 people being killed or injured.
Describing the incident as a tragedy, the embassy said families gathered for a celebration were suddenly confronted with deaths, injuries and destruction.
It also referred to an earlier attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, alleging that a large number of Iranian children were killed.
The Iranian mission accused the United States of providing different justifications for its military operations, arguing that such explanations could not alter what it described as the reality of the attacks.
The embassy called for international law to be applied equally to all countries and without double standards.
It also urged the international community to strengthen the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
The embassy said Iran would continue to defend its security, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity through “all legitimate and lawful means and capacities at its disposal.”
It further urged the United Nations and world leaders to take steps to stop the attacks and ensure greater respect for international law and civilian protection.