Iran FM Spokesperson: Israeli Strike a ‘Crime of Aggression’
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s strikes as “blatant aggression” and a crime against humanity, vowing continued defense. Spokesperson Baghaei accused the West of complicity and warned that the attacks threaten global peace. He called for urgent international action and OIC intervention.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a detailed and impassioned press briefing on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the media for the first time since what he termed “the aggression of the most ruthless occupying regime,” referring to Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Baqaei declared, “Today is the fourth day of our national defense against blatant aggression.”
As reported by IRNA, Baghaei described a pre-dawn Israeli attack on Friday, June 13, stating that when the Iranian public was asleep and preparing for a national holiday, the Israeli military launched assaults using U.S.-donated weapons. These attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of several key figures in Iran’s scientific and defense communities, as well as innocent civilians.
Baghaei offered condolences to both the Iranian people and "all the free people of the world" for what he called a "crime" and said, “their memory will remain in Iran’s glorious history.”
Highlighting the broader historical context, Baghaei argued, “This aggression did not occur in a vacuum—it is a continuation of the aggressions of the past eighty years that have turned our region into perpetual wars.” He condemned what he described as the West's consistent support for Israel, stating, “The impunity and support of Western countries for the Zionist regime have placed regional and world peace in a dangerous position.”
According to IRNA, Baghaei strongly criticized those governments that "supported or justified" Israel’s actions, claiming they were now "accomplices to the crime" in the eyes of Iranians.
Referring to strikes on Iranian residential areas and nuclear facilities, including the Natanz complex, Baghaei stated, “These actions are absolutely in violation of all international norms and rules.” Displaying images of victims, he recounted personal stories, including that of Ehsan Ashraqi, a bank employee, and his daughter, killed during the attacks. He said, “They were simply a father and daughter whose crime was living.”
He also memorialized Mohammad Mehdi Amini, a young taekwondo enthusiast. “The child who was supposed to stand on stages of honor now lies under the earth,” Baghaei lamented.
The spokesperson emphasized that “this war is not only against Iran... It is a war against human civilization,” calling on all states adhering to the UN Charter to act immediately. “Ambiguous statements... or equating the aggressor with the victim and calling for restraint from Iran are nothing but hypocrisy and irresponsibility,” he added.
He condemned the attacks on Iran’s oil facilities in Asaluyeh as "a very dangerous act" meant to provoke broader conflict and insisted that regional unity was needed. A meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), he revealed, would soon be convened to address this crisis.
Baghaei also pointed to a contradiction in the stance of some European states, particularly Germany, France, and the UK, which he accused of failing to uphold their obligations under the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231. “A peaceful program such as this has been attacked by a regime that itself possesses nuclear weapons,” he argued.
He flatly rejected Israeli claims of a preemptive strike, calling them "the most absurd justification," and insisted the attack meets all criteria of a "crime of aggression" under the International Criminal Court statute.
Referring to international reactions, Baghaei said, “Every other country condemned this action,” apart from a few whose positions, he added, demanded "clarification," naming France and Germany specifically.
On the diplomatic front, he reiterated Iran’s commitment to dialogue and negotiation but argued that Israel’s attack had rendered this process meaningless. “Raising the proposal of negotiations under the current circumstances is meaningless,” he said, calling on the U.S., in particular, to clarify its position.
Baghaei also recalled the Security Council’s inaction, which he likened to its response during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980. He disclosed that Iran had called for an emergency IAEA Board of Governors meeting, urging the body to take a clear stance in condemning the attacks on its nuclear facilities.
In conclusion, Baghaei stressed: “Iran’s wise action in pursuing diplomacy should not be criticized because of the enemy’s crime and aggression,” noting that it was Israel’s strike during ongoing negotiations that had undermined the peace process.
Throughout the press conference, as consistently reported by IRNA, Baghaei framed the Israeli actions as a serious violation of international law, urging immediate and unified global condemnation and action.
