On 14^th April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces carried out a series of military strikes on Israel’s military bases in response to and in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defense against Israel’s recurring military aggressions, resulting in the assassination of Iranian military advisors who were present in Syria at the invitation of the Syrian government, in particular the 1^st April 2024 armed attack against the embassy and diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus. Iran has been the victim of many other unlawful acts of the Zionist regime of Israel in the past decades, including the assassination of the Iranian scientists and the sabotage in Iran’ nuclear and military program. Regrettably, the International community, in particular the United Nations Security Council, has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law, and the Islamic Republic of Iran had no other option but to defend itself.

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s resort to defensive measures in exercise of its right to self-defense demonstrates Iran’s responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security at a time when the occupying apartheid regime’s pattern of relentless genocidal campaign against Palestinian people is accompanied by repeated military aggressions against neighboring states, fanning the flames across the region and beyond.

While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms the right of unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or act of aggression and to respond vigorously and in accordance with international law.  The Islamic Republic of Iran would not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any act of military aggression or unlawful use of force.

Any human who goes to his or her own inner voice and consciousness, he or she will confirm the scorpion and criminal nature of the Zionist regime of Israel, which has recently killed almost 34000 innocent Palestinians, 70% of whom are women and children. The time has come for free and peace-loving nations to put an end to the fear of the Zionist lobby and regime. Sanctioning and punishing the Zionist criminals is an urgent need for the international community. The time has come to stop the impunity of the Zionist regime of Israel and its leaders.

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Romania

Bucharest, 14^th April 2024