Iran condemned US–Israeli strikes as illegal aggression, invoked self-defense, and launched missile attacks across Israel and Gulf bases.
Key Developments
- Iran condemned US–Israeli airstrikes as violations of sovereignty and international law.
- Tehran invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter, affirming its right to self-defense.
- Ballistic missiles and drones targeted Tel Aviv, Haifa, and northern occupied Palestine.
- US military assets in Bahrain and the UAE reportedly struck in retaliatory waves.
- Iran called on the UN Security Council to act against what it described as aggression.
Diplomatic Path Interrupted
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a sharply worded statement condemning what it described as “military aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran,” following coordinated airstrikes on Iranian territory.
Addressing “the brave and honorable Iranian people,” the ministry declared that “Beloved Iran, cradle of an ancient civilization, has once again been subjected to blatant military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime.”
Khamenei, Pezeshkian Among Reported Targets – Tehran Says Leaders Unharmed
The strikes occurred in the early hours of the morning, just before Nowruz and on the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan. Iranian officials said defensive and non-military sites in multiple cities were targeted.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry characterized the attacks as a “flagrant violation of the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” asserting that the airstrikes breached Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Tehran emphasized that the strikes took place while Iran was pursuing diplomatic engagement aimed at lifting what it described as unjust sanctions.
“This renewed military aggression… comes at a time when Iran was engaged in a diplomatic path… in order to reach an agreement that would lead to the lifting of unjust sanctions,” the statement read, adding that the attack “once again demonstrates the lack of credibility in their claims of seeking a diplomatic resolution.”
The ministry stressed that the Iranian people have consistently advocated peace and sought to avoid war.
Iran Invokes Article 51, Vows Decisive Response
Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Tehran affirmed its legitimate right to self-defense.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond forcefully to any attack,” the statement said, warning that Iran would use all available capabilities to deter further aggression.
❗️🇮🇷/🇮🇱 Scenes from Haifa following an Iranian missile impact. pic.twitter.com/XPXkjhRJfY
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 28, 2026
The ministry called on the United Nations and the UN Security Council to take immediate action in response to what it termed a blatant violation of international peace and security.
It urged the UN Secretary-General and Security Council members to fulfill their responsibilities without delay and appealed to regional states, members of the Islamic world, and the Non-Aligned Movement to condemn the attacks.
“Iranians have never submitted to invaders,” the statement concluded. “This time as well, a decisive response will come… and the aggressors will regret their criminal act.”
Missiles across Israel and the Gulf
In the hours following the strikes, Iran announced the start of a direct and multi-front retaliation.
According to Iranian media and statements by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), ballistic missiles and drones were launched toward Israel, targeting Tel Aviv and areas in northern occupied Palestine, including Haifa.
Al-Jazeera reported that the Israeli Home Front Command confirmed sirens sounding across multiple areas, instructing settlers to immediately seek shelter.
The confrontation rapidly expanded beyond Israel. Bahrain’s National Communications Center confirmed that the US Fifth Fleet’s service center was targeted by an Iranian missile strike, with sirens activated across the country.
🇮🇷🇺🇸🇧🇭 Video shows Iranian ballistic missiles striking the US naval base in Bahrain pic.twitter.com/i15j0zkP76
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 28, 2026
Reuters reported a “huge explosion” in Abu Dhabi, citing eyewitnesses, amid claims that Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates — a key facility hosting US forces — had been targeted. Explosions were also reported in Dubai, while sirens were heard in Kuwait.
In Jordan, the US Embassy ordered personnel to remain in their residences. Loud explosions were reported in Riyadh, though details remain limited.
Al Mayadeen reported that Iranian officials described the missile launches as successive waves of retaliation and warned that further responses could follow.
(PC, Al-Jazeera, Reuters, Al Mayadeen)
