IPIS Statement

 In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

  Dear Colleagues,

Our country, Iran, has been unjustly attacked by a criminal and evil regime. This morning, the occupying and rogue Zionist regime violated the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Iran, attacking several locations, including residential areas in Tehran and other cities across the country. As a result, a number of the noblest and most patriotic servants of the nation – including those who defended Iran’s dignity, sovereignty, and advancements in science and technology– along with other innocent civilians, were martyred.

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 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.

As a founding member of the United Nations – an organization whose very purpose is to prevent aggression, breaches of law, 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.

 We further remind the United Nations Secretary-General of his duties under the UN Charter and demands his immediate intervention in this matter. We expect all member states of the United Nations 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.

 One of the main targets of these attacks was the Natanz nuclear facility, which is under the full supervision and safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.  Attacking such facilities not only directly threatens the lives of Iranian civilians, but also risks an irreparable radiological disaster in the region. A deliberate attack on facilities under safeguards is a clear violation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, as well as the legal obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

These attacks have challenged the foundation of the global non-proliferation regime and the credibility of the IAEA's mission. Continuation of this trend could become a dangerous pattern for other actors and pose a serious threat to global collective security.

Furthermore, a series of targeted terrorist operations in our country’s capital, Tehran, resulted in the martyrdom of a group of senior military commanders and prominent Iranian nuclear scientists and ordinary people. These terrorist acts are as a clear example of “state terrorism”. The Prime Minister of the Zionist regime has openly and arrogantly taken responsibility for these crimes, which amounts to a public admission of committing an international crime.

 While there is an all- out impunity for the Zionist Regime on its unbelievable brutalities against oppressed nation of Palestine, it’s natural that they feel total free hand to breach all international legal and moral rules and norms. It’s very unfortunate that these acts of violence happen in the midst of a serious diplomatic process to assure the whole international community of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. But, these reckless aggressions can kill the whole process of diplomacy and negotiations.

 The recent coordinated actions, while Iran in a goodwill action has been conducting a political process of diplomatic negotiations, are considered a declaration of war against the Islamic Republic of Iran and are another part of the Zionist regime’s illegal and destabilizing pattern of behavior in the region. This regime, which is undoubtedly one of the most terrorist and lawless regimes in the world, has crossed all red lines and the international community must not allow these crimes to go unanswered.

 In the spirit of restraint and avoiding escalation, Iran has persistently followed the route of diplomacy. Also the inaction in the side of international community against all atrocities by Israel has emboldened the Zionist regime and made him to miscalculate. In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and based on legitimate and inherent right to self- defense, Iran will not hesitate to defend the Iranian nation with all it's might.

The grave and far-reaching consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran, will rest entirely upon this regime and its supporters. The Zionist regime’s acts of aggression against Iran could not have been carried out without the coordination and approval of the United States. Consequently, the US government, as the primary patron of this regime, will also bear responsibility for the dangerous repercussions of the Zionist regime’s reckless actions.

The Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) strongly condemns the flagrant and deliberate act of aggression perpetrated by the Zionist regime and calls the academic community and think tank circles to clearly and firmly express their position against this dangerous act of escalation.