Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that peace and the rule of law are at serious stake as a result of Israel’s unlawful attacks on the country.

“Hundreds of my fellow Iranians have been killed and injured following Israel’s surprise armed attacks and terrorist operations on residential areas, public infrastructure, hospitals, health centres and, of course, the foreign ministry.”

He said Israel’s attacks on nuclear facilities were grave war crimes, given the danger of environmental and health catastrophes as a result of radiological leakage.

Iran, a founding member of the UN system, rightfully expects each and every one of you to stand for justice, rule of law and basic tenets of humanity and ethics. Iran is under a merciless act of aggression. This crystal-clear fact must not be allowed to be twisted upside-down by Israel and its backers.

He said Israel’s aggression cannot and must not be justified by any moral or legal standards, adding that any justification for this “unjust and criminal war” would be tantamount to complicity.

“Iran is defending itself against barbaric aggression. We are entitled, tasked and determined to defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty and security with all force. This is our inherent right, as also clearly recognised under Article 51 of the Charter.”