Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Regarding the Military Aggression by the Zionist Regime and the United States Against Iran   Heroic and honorable people of Iran, Dear fellow Iranians, Our sacred and beloved homeland—proud, civilization-building Iran—has once again been subjected to criminal military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime. Early this morning, on the eve of Nowruz and on the tenth day of the holy month of Ramadan, the United States and the Zionist regime flagrantly violated Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty by launching attacks on a number of defensive targets, infrastructure facilities, and civilian sites in various cities across our country.   This renewed military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime has occurred while Iran and the United States were in the midst of a diplomatic process. Despite being fully aware of the intentions of the United States and the Zionist regime to carry out another act of military aggression, we once again entered into negotiations in order to leave no room for doubt before the international community and all nations of the world—to demonstrate the rightfulness of the Iranian people’s cause and to expose the baselessness and illegitimacy of any pretext for aggression. Today, the Iranian people stand proud, having done everything necessary to prevent war. Now, the time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault. Just as we were prepared for negotiations, we are more prepared than ever to defend ourselves. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to the aggressors with full authority and determination.   The air strikes carried out by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations and amount to a clear act of armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.   Responding to this aggression is Iran’s lawful and legitimate right under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will employ all their capabilities and resources to counter this criminal aggression and repel the enemy’s hostility.   The Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the grave responsibility of the United Nations and its Security Council to take immediate action in response to the breach of international peace and security resulting from the blatant military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran. We call upon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the Security Council, and the members of the Council to fulfill their duties without delay.   All Member States of the United Nations—particularly countries of the region and the Islamic world, members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and all governments that feel a responsibility toward international peace and security—are expected to strongly condemn this act of aggression and to take urgent and collective measures to confront it, as it unquestionably poses an unprecedented threat to regional and global peace and security.   Now, at this decisive moment in history, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran—drawing inspiration from the great heroic legacy of this land, placing their trust in Almighty God, believing in the promise of divine support, and relying on national strength—will not hesitate in their resolute defense of our beloved homeland.   History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed to foreign aggression and domination. This time, too, the response of the Iranian nation will be decisive and consequential, and it will make the aggressors regret their criminal actions. Long live Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs