Iran Entitled to Respond to US Based on UN Charter: Lawyer

IQNA – A former Iranian parliamentarian says Iran has the right to respond to the US aggression against its nuclear facilities based on the United Nations Charter. 

"The principle of territorial integrity of states is explicitly mentioned in the United Nations Charter and other international treaties," Mohammad Ali Asfanani told IQNA.

"These principles are considered jus cogens rules of international law, much like the evident rule that compensation is necessary—something that does not even require the drafting of laws, treaties, or legislation," he added.

The remarks come as the US forces targeted Iran's nuclear facilities early on Sunday, joining the Israeli regime in attacking Iran.

Asfanani said the "savage nature" of the US "has been evident for years, manifesting itself through coups, massacres of people, and now being demonstrated in the worst form by directly entering into war with Iran and attacking nuclear facilities that, according to Article 51 of the UN Charter and NPT regulations, are protected from external aggression."

"No country has the right to violate the resources and nuclear industries of another," he stressed.

"Israel, which is not even a member of the NPT and is one of the most criminal regimes in human history, first invaded Iran with the green light from the U.S. After failing to succeed against the lightning-fast attacks of our fighters and the valiant defense during Operation True Promise III, Israel turned to the U.S., and consequently, the U.S. directly entered this war," he added.

"This will definitely have serious consequences for America, both in terms of military repercussions and political standing worldwide," said the former lawmaker.

"Iran is a member of the NPT and the United Nations, and legally, we retain the right to legitimate self-defense," he said.

"Conversely, the U.S. must be held accountable for blatant violations of international rules. Because if an independent country supported by its people is attacked in this way, no country will enjoy security or the right to scientific and nuclear development," Asfanani added.

"According to law, religious decrees, and religious teachings, we are obliged and justified in defending ourselves. Therefore, America's interests in the region must be harmed," he said.

Additionally, the world must not remain silent when Iran, with its long history and heritage, is unjustly attacked in this manner, added Asfanani. 

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