TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has urged Islamic countries to take collective action against escalating violations of international law by Israel, underscoring Iran’s right to defend itself in the face of recent military aggression.
In a telephone conversation with the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha on Sunday, Araqchi thanked him for condemning Israel’s aggression against Iran, describing the attacks as blatant breaches of international law and the UN Charter, and posing grave threats to regional and global stability.
"This impunity encourages further aggression and crimes," Araqchi warned, reaffirming Iran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.
The OIC secretary-general expressed deep concern over Israel’s military escalation, stating the organisation would collaborate with the United Nations to mobilise international support and prevent the region from further instability.
On a similar note, addressing ambassadors, officials, and heads of foreign missions in Tehran on Sunday, Araqchi emphasised that Iran does not want war to spread beyond its borders.
He stressed that Iran’s missile strikes against Israel were acts of legitimate self-defence and would cease if Israel halted its aggression.
"The Persian Gulf is a very sensitive and complex region, and any military developments there could involve not only the entire region but also the world," he cautioned.
Araqchi described Israel’s airstrikes since Friday as unprecedented aggression, specifically highlighting attacks on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and residential areas in Tehran and other cities.
"Israel does not recognise boundaries," Araqchi said, noting the assassination of Iranian university professors, nuclear scientists, and military commanders.
He further criticised the international community, especially certain European countries, for their indifference and biased reactions towards Israel’s aggression, saying some condemned Iran instead.
Araqchi explained that Iran’s initial response targeted only military sites, but after Israel’s subsequent attacks on Iranian economic facilities, Iran responded by striking Israeli economic targets, including refineries.
The foreign minister expressed gratitude to the diplomats present for their condemnation of Israel’s actions and solidarity with Iran, urging prompt international action to halt Israel’s aggression. - BERNAMA