### Escalating Tensions: Iran's Justification for Military Action Against Israel - The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, with Iran asserting its right to self-defense in response to what it describes as Israeli aggression. This assertion is grounded in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defense against armed attacks. Iranian officials, including Deputy Chief of Mission Mohammad Javad Hosseini, have reiterated this stance, emphasizing that their military actions are justified and necessary to protect national sovereignty [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3462855-iran-asserts-right-to-self-defense-against-israeli-aggression]. ### Breakdown of Iran's Claims and Actions 1. **Self-Defense Justification**: Iran claims its military strikes on Israel are acts of self-defense, targeting military objectives and infrastructure. This was articulated by Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani during a Security Council meeting [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/israel-iran-conflict-enters-fifth-day-iranian-ambassador-tells-un-its-strikes-are-self-defence/videoshow/121896933.cms]. 2. **Accusations Against the U.S.**: Iran has accused the United States of complicity in Israeli military actions, suggesting that any support for Israel from third parties will have legal consequences [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/at-the-un-iran-accuses-us-of-being-complicit-in-israels-strikes]. 3. **International Response**: The Iranian government has communicated its position to the United Nations, asserting that its military operations are lawful and proportionate, aimed solely at military targets [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3460022-iran-defends-strikes-on-israel-as-self-defense-at-un]. ### Supporting Evidence of Iran's Position - **Military Operations**: Iran's strikes are characterized as "proportionate defensive operations" aimed at military objectives, which aligns with their interpretation of international law [https://www.investing.com/news/politics-news/iran-claims-strikes-on-israel-as-selfdefense-at-un-security-council-93CH-4097818]. - **Legal Framework**: The legal basis for Iran's actions is rooted in Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for self-defense against armed attacks. This legal framework is central to Iran's argument in international forums [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/international/3462855-iran-asserts-right-to-self-defense-against-israeli-aggression]. ### Conclusion: Iran's Position in the Ongoing Conflict 1. **Iran's Assertion of Self-Defense**: Iran firmly believes its military actions against Israel are justified under international law, specifically citing self-defense rights. 2. **Accusations Against External Actors**: The Iranian government has placed significant blame on the U.S. for its support of Israel, framing it as a complicity in aggression against Iran. 3. **International Legal Justification**: Iran's claims are supported by references to international law, particularly the UN Charter, which they argue legitimizes their military responses. In summary, Iran's recent military actions against Israel are framed as necessary self-defense measures, supported by legal arguments and accusations against external actors, particularly the United States, for their role in the conflict [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/iran-tells-un-strikes-on-israel-are-self-defense].