Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on the “X” platform that Tehran “exercised the right to self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”
What is the text of Article 51?
Article 51 belongs to Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, entitled “Regional Organizations.”
This article states that “nothing in the Charter of the United Nations shall weaken or diminish the natural right of States, individually or collectively, to defend themselves if an armed force attacks a member of the United Nations, until the Security Council takes the necessary measures to maintain international peace and security.” The measures taken by members in exercise of the right of self-defense shall be reported to the Council immediately.”
It adds: “These measures do not affect in any way the Council, under its authority and continuing responsibilities under the provisions of this Charter, the right to take at any time whatever action it deems necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement regarding the missile attack on Israel: “Our defensive operation is consistent with international law and the right to self-defense. We only targeted military and security facilities.”
After launching a barrage of missiles at Israel, it called Iran The UN Security Council called for “concrete measures” to prevent threats to regional peace and security.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said that the attack was a response to the killing of a number of leaders of armed factions allied with Tehran, and to the Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip And Lebanon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in a previous post on “X” that Tehran’s move came “in defense of the interests of Iran and its citizens,” adding that his country “does not seek war but will stand firmly in the face of any threat.”
