Iran has declared that it will employ “all lawful means” to safeguard its national security, sovereignty, and national interests, issuing one of its strongest official statements amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Tehran praised its armed forces for what it described as their continued and resolute defense against “illegal threats and acts of aggression” by Washington and Tel Aviv, while reaffirming that protecting Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights remains a non-negotiable priority under international law. The ministry stressed that Iran considers the ongoing military pressure, alleged naval blockade measures, repeated threats of force, and attacks on civilian infrastructure to constitute clear acts of aggression and violations of the United Nations Charter. It argued that such actions undermine international stability and regional security while setting a dangerous precedent for the use of force outside internationally recognized legal frameworks. The statement further criticized what it described as the continued silence of the United Nations Security Council and the inaction of the UN Secretary-General, asserting that the failure of international institutions to respond decisively is inconsistent with their legal responsibilities to uphold international peace and security. Referring to recent developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Ministry accused the United States of contributing to regional instability and suggested that claims concerning maritime security and freedom of navigation had been used as a pretext to justify military pressure and strategic escalation against Iran. Despite its sharp criticism of Washington and Israel, Tehran reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining constructive and friendly relations with neighboring countries, emphasizing that regional cooperation and dialogue remain central to its foreign policy. At the same time, Iranian officials underscored that the country would continue defending its independence, national dignity, sovereignty, and legitimate rights against what it characterized as external aggression. The latest statement comes at a time of heightened uncertainty across the Middle East, where diplomatic tensions, military posturing, and concerns over energy security continue to fuel fears of a broader regional confrontation. While Iran insists that its actions are grounded in international law and self-defense, the United States and its allies have consistently maintained that their military posture is intended to deter threats and preserve regional stability. The sharply contrasting narratives underscore the widening diplomatic divide and highlight the increasing challenges facing international efforts to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.
Tehran’s tough stance against US-Israel, firm commitment to protecting sovereignty
