KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday strongly condemned US strikes targeting an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island, calling them a clear violation of international law and a ceasefire understanding.
Al Jazeera, quoting a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), reported that US forces carried out “defensive” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island and intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones after civilian vessels and regional allies Kuwait and Bahrain came under attack.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had targeted an American vessel, the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet, and a US airbase in the region with missiles and drones.
In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said: “These aggressive actions are not only a violation of the ceasefire understanding dated April 8, but also constitute a flagrant breach of the fundamental principle prohibiting the use of force under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
Tehran also criticised what it called the “colonial use” of regional territory and infrastructure by the United States for operations against Iran, placing responsibility on governments it said enabled such actions, including Kuwait and Bahrain.
The ministry added that allowing any foreign power to use land, sea, airspace, or military facilities to support attacks against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principle of good neighbourliness.
It further cited UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, arguing that such cooperation could amount to an act of aggression.
The ministry stressed Iran’s right to target the “source and origin” of the attacks.
Iranian officials did not provide details on possible casualties or damage from the strikes.
However, Kuwait’s state news agency reported that Iranian drone and missile attacks struck Kuwait International Airport, causing injuries and leading to flight suspensions and diversions.
kk/sa
