Iran condemns Israeli airstrikes

Iran has strongly condemned what it described as a “criminal and aggressive” airstrike by the Israeli government in the early hours of Friday, which targeted multiple locations including residential areas in Tehran and other cities. 

The attack reportedly killed a number of high-ranking military commanders, scientists, and civilians.

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the airstrikes struck densely populated areas, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. 

Emergency response teams have been deployed, while the Crisis Management Headquarters has urged the public to remain calm, avoid unverified information, and cooperate with rescue efforts.

In a televised address to the nation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of committing a heinous crime and warned that the country would face “severe punishment.”

“At dawn today, the Zionist regime revealed its vile nature by attacking residential areas in our beloved country,” said Khamenei. “This regime must await severe punishment. By the will of Allah, the powerful hand of Iran’s Armed Forces will not relent.”

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran condemned the attack as a direct violation of international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, and stated that Iran reserves its legitimate right to respond under Article 51 of the Charter, which allows self-defense in the face of armed aggression.

“This rogue and occupying regime has violated Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Ministry said. “The consequences of this aggression will rest squarely with the Zionist regime and its main backer, the United States.”

The Foreign Ministry further called upon the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action and urged member states—especially those in the region, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Islamic world—to condemn the attack and prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the Iran’s Embassy in Colombo also issued a statement echoing the Supreme Leader’s words and reaffirming the country’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and retaliate as needed.