Israel has been hit by missiles amid its escalating conflict with Iran.
According to the Associated Press (AP), air raid sirens sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles struck the country in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on nuclear sites and military leaders.
It was reported that the rumble echoed throughout Jerusalem on Friday, and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv after an apparent missile strike.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The army said dozens of missiles were launched, and it has ordered residents across the country to move into bomb shelters.
The Bureau Newspaper earlier reported that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed that Iran was going to respond strongly to Israeli aggression.
This is even as it strongly condemned what it described as a “blatant act of aggression” by Israel, which it referred to as a Zionist regime, following reported military strikes on Iranian territory, including the capital Tehran and other cities.
In a formal statement released on Friday and posted on its official X handle, the ministry accused the Zionist regime of violating Iran’s territorial integrity and launching attacks on both military and residential areas.
“This morning, the occupying and rogue #ZionistRegime violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of our dear #Iran, attacking several locations, including residential areas in Tehran and other cities across our country,” the ministry stated.
It added that the attack resulted in casualties, including prominent figures described as defenders of the nation.
“As a result, a number of the noblest and most patriotic servants of the nation – those who defended Iran’s dignity, sovereignty, and advancements in science and technology – along with other innocent civilians, were martyred.”
The ministry extended its sympathies to the families of the victims, while vowing a firm response.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its congratulations and condolences to the Revered Leader and the noble people of Iran on the martyrdom of these defenders and servants of the homeland, who sacrificed their lives for our nation in the face of the Zionist regime’s unforgivable crime.”
Citing international law, the statement argued that the strikes breached Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
“The Zionist regime’s attacks on Iran constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and a blatant act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran reserves the legitimate and legal right to respond to this aggression.”
The Iranian government also signalled its readiness to retaliate.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to defend Iran’s sovereignty with full strength and in the manner they deem appropriate.”
The ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate steps to address what it described as a threat to international peace.
“As a founding member of the United Nations – an organization whose very purpose is to prevent aggression, breaches of peace, and threats to peace – the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the Security Council’s obligation to take immediate action against this violation of international peace and security, stemming from the Zionist regime’s blatant aggression. We call upon the President and members of the Council to act without delay in this regard.”
The Foreign Ministry also appealed directly to the UN Secretary-General to intervene and urged member states — particularly those in the Islamic world and the Non-Aligned Movement — to condemn the attack and act collectively.
“We expect all member states of the United Nations, particularly regional and Islamic countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all governments that value international peace and security, to swiftly condemn this criminal aggression and take urgent and collective measures to counter this reckless adventurism, which has undeniably placed global peace and security under unprecedented threat.”
In closing, Iran warned of serious consequences for both the Zionist regime and its allies.
“The grave and far-reaching consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland, Iran, will rest entirely upon this regime and its supporters.”
The post Israel Hit By Missiles As Iran Retaliates Attack On Nuclear Sites appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.
