Iran Defends Missile Strikes as Self-Defense, Blames U.S. for Israel Conflict

Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the U.N. Security Council that Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel were acts of self-defense, carried out under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter. Describing them as “proportionate defensive operations” aimed solely at military targets, Iravani argued Iran had not initiated any war. He emphasized, “Iran has not attacked Israel. The so-called existential threat narrative is false.”

The statement follows Israel’s surprise airstrike last Friday, which killed senior Iranian military commanders and key nuclear scientists. Israel declared its goal is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In response, Iran launched over 1,000 missiles and drones toward Israeli targets.

Speaking to reporters, Iravani blamed the United States, asserting that “without the U.S. weapons, intelligence, and political backing, this attack could not have happened.” He warned that any third-party cooperation with Israel renders them complicit in the crisis, further escalating regional tensions.

At the same meeting, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon accused Iran of targeting civilians, stating, “Iran aims its missiles at children, while we target the regime’s terror machine.” He claimed that Israel had successfully disrupted Iran’s nuclear progress and vowed to continue these efforts.

The U.N. Security Council had convened earlier at Tehran’s request following Israel’s initial strikes. The conflict marks a severe escalation between the two nations, raising international concerns over regional stability and the risk of broader war.

As the situation evolves, both nations continue to justify their actions through international law, while trading accusations over civilian targeting and aggression. The involvement of global powers, especially the U.S., further complicates the already volatile Middle East landscape.