Iran says US, Israel hit defensive, civilian sites

Iran says US, Israel hit defensive, civilian sites

Iran Accuses U.S. and Israel of Targeting Civilian and Defense Sites, Vows Response

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, alleging that strikes targeted civilian and defense infrastructure across multiple cities, violating the UN Charter’s principles of sovereignty and non-aggression. The ministry emphasized that the attacks occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, asserting that Iran had prioritized diplomacy to avert conflict. However, it stated, “the time has now come to defend the homeland,” vowing a “decisive and powerful” military response.

The U.S. and Israel defended the operation as a preemptive measure to neutralize “alleged threats posed by the Iranian regime,” though specifics of the targets remain unconfirmed. A Washington Post report cited Iranian state media claiming five students were killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran—the first confirmed fatalities from the operation. Tehran has invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, affirming its right to self-defense, and called on the UN Security Council and international community to condemn the strikes and intervene.

The escalation risks heightening regional instability, with potential implications for global oil markets and trade routes. Iran’s threats of retaliation could disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy exports. Analysts note that prolonged conflict could exacerbate inflationary pressures and complicate recovery efforts in markets already sensitive to geopolitical tensions.

While the U.S. and Israel have not provided detailed justifications for the strikes, the attack underscores the fragility of diplomatic channels between Tehran and Western powers. Investors are advised to monitor developments closely, as further hostilities could trigger renewed sanctions, trade disruptions, or spikes in energy prices. The international community’s response—particularly from non-aligned nations and major economies like China and Russia—may also shape the conflict’s trajectory and its economic fallout.

Anadolu Agency, IRNA
Washington Post