Tehran, Iran – February 28, 2026 – Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday strongly condemned the joint US-Israeli military strikes as an act of “military aggression” and a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, accusing Washington and Jerusalem of breaching Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
In an official statement released hours after the pre-dawn attacks began, the ministry described the operation as a deliberate assault on Iranian defense infrastructure and civilian sites across multiple provinces, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Hormozgan. It highlighted reports of civilian casualties, notably the deaths of five students at a girls’ primary school in Minab, as evidence of indiscriminate targeting and disregard for international humanitarian law.
The statement emphasized that the strikes occurred while Iran and the United States were actively engaged in indirect diplomatic talks—mediated by Oman—aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear program. The latest round of negotiations concluded in Geneva on Thursday, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi describing progress as “within our reach” following a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday.
“Iran has consistently prioritized diplomacy to prevent war and resolve differences through dialogue,” the ministry declared. “However, the time has now come to defend the homeland. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic will respond in a decisive and powerful manner to this aggression.”
Tehran invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations. The statement asserted that Iran’s response would be proportionate and in full compliance with international law, while calling on the UN Security Council and the broader international community to condemn the US-Israeli action and take immediate steps to halt further escalation.
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reiterated that the country remains committed to its defensive posture but will not hesitate to protect its sovereignty and citizens. State media reported that air defenses had intercepted many incoming projectiles during retaliatory missile and drone launches toward Israel and US military bases in the Gulf region (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia), though debris caused damage and at least one fatality in Abu Dhabi.
The attacks—codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel—were announced early Saturday by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump described the campaign as “massive and ongoing,” aimed at destroying Iran’s missile industry, navy, proxy networks, and nuclear capabilities. He urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on the population to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging possible US casualties. Netanyahu framed the strikes as pre-emptive and essential to eliminate an existential threat.
Reports indicate the operation targeted military sites, missile production facilities, and reportedly senior leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and others. Israeli assessments suggested a strong likelihood that Ali Shamkhani—Khamenei’s nuclear advisor—may have been eliminated, though Iranian authorities denied harm to key figures and stated several officials were safe.
This escalation follows the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which Israel initiated strikes and the United States later joined, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were reported to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear program, according to International Atomic Energy Agency assessments.
International reactions have been swift and divided. The European Union, Switzerland, and several other nations called for maximum restraint, protection of civilians, and respect for international law. Russia and China condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty. The UN Security Council held an emergency session to address the crisis.
Gulf states closed airspace in several areas, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over potential energy disruptions. Oil prices surged sharply amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Russian Embassy in Tehran urged its citizens to leave the country if possible, reflecting growing concern for foreign nationals.
As missile exchanges continue and regional airspace remains volatile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its call for urgent international intervention to prevent a broader war. The coming hours will be critical in determining the scale of Iran’s promised response and whether diplomatic channels can still be salvaged amid the rapidly deteriorating security environment.
