TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday strongly condemned military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, pledging a “decisive defense” of the country’s sovereignty and warning of serious regional consequences.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s armed forces would respond firmly to what he described as an imposed conflict.
“The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will decisively defend the country,” Baghaei told Mehr News Agency. “This is a national struggle that has been forced upon us.”
The strikes triggered a rapid retaliation from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which launched missiles and drones toward Israeli targets and several US military bases in the region less than two hours after the attacks, according to Iranian officials.
Baghaei described the US–Israeli action as a blatant violation of international law, noting that it occurred during the holy month of Ramadan and just days before Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“This action is a clear crime and has no justification,” he said, rejecting claims by US President Donald Trump that the strikes aimed to protect American citizens. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized the peaceful use of energy and has never initiated a war.”
Talks in Jeopardy
The escalation comes as Tehran and Washington had agreed to hold a fourth round of nuclear negotiations in Vienna next week, following what both sides described as serious discussions in Geneva earlier this week. Iranian officials also recalled that diplomatic efforts were previously disrupted in June 2025 when the US launched coordinated strikes with Israel ahead of scheduled talks.
Baghaei warned that the latest attacks could further erode global norms and institutions.
“This aggression could mark the beginning of the end for international institutions and established norms,” he said, urging the international community to respond seriously to what he termed an illegal act.
While some international observers have criticized the strikes, prospects for a unified response at the United Nations Security Council remain uncertain.
Regional Warning
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also cautioned that Iran would hold any regional country accountable if it allowed the US or Israel to use its airspace or territory for further attacks.
“Iranians are peace-seeking people,” Baghaei said, “but they are resolute in defending their dignity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity with full determination. It was not Iran that started this war.”
The developments mark a dramatic escalation in tensions and cast uncertainty over the future of diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.