The Embassy of Iran in Bulgaria has issued a statement regarding Israel's attacks against the country, which began in the morning hours of June 13.
1. Legitimate self-defense under international law
Iran's recent actions are a direct response to the unprovoked and illegal military strike by the Zionist regime on Iranian territory, including a dangerous attack on the Natanz nuclear facility - a facility intended for peaceful, civilian nuclear activities. This attack constitutes a gross violation of the UN Charter, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and international norms regulating the protection of nuclear infrastructure. Iran's response is not aggression, but a legitimate exercise of the right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
2. Civilian casualties and hypocrisy
We deplore the loss of every human life, but we categorically reject the hypocrisy of a regime that has systematically targeted civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere for decades - and now seeks to claim the moral high ground. The actions of the Zionist regime - from bombing hospitals and refugee camps to using internationally banned weapons - speak for themselves.
3. Nuclear Double Standards
The Zionist regime continues to evade international control over its undeclared nuclear weapons, refuses to join the NPT, and now allows itself to attack protected civilian nuclear facilities of a sovereign state. This action is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous, crossing one of the most important red lines in international law.
4. The Role of the United States
Iran has compelling evidence that the attack was carried out with the coordination and support of American military forces in the region. Public statements by American officials confirm their complicity. This involvement seriously undermines any claim by the United States to act as a neutral mediator.
5. Sabotaging the Diplomatic Process
At the time of the attack by the Zionist regime, Iran was actively engaged in the diplomatic process and preparing for the sixth round of negotiations regarding its nuclear program. Iran had prepared and was ready to present a constructive proposal with the aim of achieving a peaceful solution. This aggression thwarted the diplomatic initiative and made the negotiations practically meaningless.
6. Dangerous Escalation in the Persian Gulf
The attack on Iran’s key energy infrastructure in Asaluyeh is a deliberate attempt to expand the conflict in the region. The Persian Gulf is crucial to global energy and maritime security. Escalating hostilities in this region is an irresponsible and destabilizing move with potentially catastrophic global consequences.
7. The responsibility of the international community
The UN Security Council and all responsible states must strongly condemn the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. If such red lines are crossed without consequences, the foundations of international law will be undermined, endangering all states from such violations.
8. Iran's consistent doctrine
Iran remains firmly committed to the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and categorically rejects nuclear weapons for religious, strategic and ethical reasons. This commitment has been repeatedly demonstrated, most notably through the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). However, no sovereign state can be expected to tolerate aggression or to give up its inalienable rights under threat. Iran emphasizes that it does not seek war and does not wish to escalate tensions. But if war is imposed on us, Iran will respond decisively and in accordance with international law. Our response will cease immediately once the aggression is stopped.