“Iran has the right and the duty to defend itself against foreign acts of aggression,” the Foreign Ministry stated, invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
Following Israeli airstrikes on Saturday that targeted military installations and resulted in the deaths of two Iranian soldiers, Iran asserted its right to self-defense. Israeli forces confirmed they had carried out “targeted” strikes in response to Tehran’s previous attacks, and all Israeli aircraft had returned safely.
Iranian media reported multiple explosions over several hours in Tehran and surrounding military facilities, beginning shortly after 2 a.m. local time (2230 GMT Friday).
The escalating tensions drew condemnation from neighboring countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt.
In light of the unrest, several UAE flights were cancelled and redirected on Saturday as the situation developed in the region.
