Recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran constitute a "stark violation" of international law and the United Nations Charter, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said in an interview released on Friday, adding that Tehran would continue to exercise its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with senior military commanders and civilians. The attacks took place while negotiations were ongoing.
Iran has responded to the attacks with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets across the region.
Baghaei made the remarks in response to questions about Iran's assessment of the situation in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
"So I think no one can deny the fact that this is a stark violation of international law, a stark violation of the United Nations Charter. It is an act of aggression, and military aggression is the worst form of unlawful use of force, which is prohibited under Article 2, paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter. I think it is a very bad blow to the collective security system that is the backbone of the United Nations system," he said.
When asked whether Iran's retaliatory strikes against Israeli and U.S. targets in the region constitute deterrence or self-defense, Baghaei cited international law as the basis for Iran's actions.
"What we are doing is exercising our inherent right of self-defense, which is recognized under Article 51 of the UN Charter. We are, in fact, obliged under international law to protect our people, to protect our sovereignty, to protect our territorial integrity against these egregious acts of aggression," he said.
Baghaei also issued a warning to countries in the region hosting U.S. military assets.
"And that's why we are targeting the military bases of the United States and its assets that are scattered around us in the Persian Gulf countries. We have already warned them: please, please do not let the United States abuse your soil, abuse your territory for conducting this military aggression. But unfortunately, for whatever reason, they have not been able to make the United States refrain from using their territories for aggressive operations against Iran. Iran has every right under international law to defend itself against these military strikes," Baghaei said.
US-Israeli attacks "stark violation" of int'l law, UN Charter: Iranian FM spokesman
The United States' war with Iran has already been "terminated" ahead of a 60-day deadline by law due to the current ceasefire, U.S. media reported on Thursday, citing a senior Trump administration official.
Under the War Powers Resolution, U.S. President Donald Trump had until Friday to seek congressional authorization to continue the conflict or bring it to an end, with the option to extend the deadline by an additional 30 days.
"The hostilities that began on Saturday, Feb. 28 have terminated" between the United States and Iran for purposes of that law, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was quoted as saying.
Washington and Tehran have not exchanged fire since a ceasefire began on April 7 and was later extended.
Earlier on Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued at a congressional hearing that he believes the ceasefire "pauses or stops" the 60-day clock for congressional authorization of war.
"I do not believe the statute would support that," Democratic Senator Tim Kaine responded, "I think the 60 days runs (out) maybe tomorrow, and that's going to pose a really important legal question for the administration there."
"That deadline is not a suggestion; it is a requirement," said Republican Senator Susan Collins, who voted Thursday for a measure to end U.S. military action in Iran without congressional approval.
The White House notified Congress of the military campaign against Iran on March 2, making Friday the 60-day milestone for the president to start winding down the war unless he gets congressional authorization.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that any U.S. attempt to impose a naval blockade and maritime restrictions against Iran is "doomed to failure."
Pezeshkian made the remarks in a statement to mark Persian Gulf National Day, which falls on April 30. He said the "enemies" have changed their approach and shifted their pressure to the economic and maritime arenas, using a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on maritime trade as a new tool against the Iranian government and people, according to the statement published on his office's website.
The United States imposed its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after post-ceasefire negotiations with Iran in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12 failed to lead to an agreement.
The ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel took effect on April 8 following 40 days of fighting, which started on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians.
Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, barring passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.
Trump team says Iran war 'terminated' as ceasefire sparks clash over War Powers deadline
