Iran’s Air Defenses Successfully Confront Israeli Aggression, Four Soldiers Killed, Widespread Condemnations after ‘Israeli’ Attack on Iran

wilayattimes (Iran)

Tehran | WTNS| Waseem Reza | Oct 26:Iran’s Air Defense Base said the country’s air defenses have successfully confronted Israeli acts of aggression.

The Air Defense Base issued a statement on Saturday, saying that the criminal, illegitimate and fake regime of Israel in a move to escalate tensions launched attacks on some military sites in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan and Eilam in the early hours of today.

Iran’s air defenses intercepted and successfully confronted the acts of aggression, it said, adding that some limited damage was caused in some areas, the dimensions of which are being investigated.

The statement urged people to maintain unity and calm and ignore rumors spread by the enemy media.

Loud sounds were heard by some people in the vicinity of Tehran in the wee hours of Saturday, which Iranian security sources said were due to the activation of air defense systems.

According to reports, Iranian air defenses successfully shot down adversarial targets in the airspace around Tehran province.

Footage shared online captured what appeared to be interceptions over the Iranian capital.

Hours later the Israeli military said it had “completed” the strikes and “achieved its objectives”.

The Iranian Army said four of its servicemen have been martyred in the military attacks by the Israeli regime early Saturday.

The Iranian Army said in a statement on Saturday that four of its combatants have been martyred during confrontation with the projectiles fired by the criminal Zionist regime as the Army continues to safeguard Iran’s security and prevent harm to the Iranian nation and interests.

There has been no attack on military centers belonging to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran.

The informed source told that the Israeli army’s claim that it has targeted 20 locations across Iran is untrue, noting that the number of locations targeted by the enemy is significantly lower than that.

Meanwhile, the situation in the capital, including at Imam Khomeini (RA) and Mehrabad airports, is normal.

Following the Israeli attacks, the United States urged Iran to stop attacking Israel to break the cycle of violence.

“We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation,” US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters.

The Israeli attack on Iran has triggered swift condemnation from regional countries, with Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait denouncing the strikes as violations of international law and urging restraint to prevent further escalation.

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned the aggression as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, calling for maximum restraint and the interference of the international community to work toward de-escalation of tensions in the region.

Qatar

Qatar denounced the Israeli attack on Iran and urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that undermine security, and resolve disputes through dialogue.

“The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of Israel’s targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, considering this act a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a clear breach of the principles of international law,” read a statement issued by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry emphasized the country’s deep concern regarding the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation and urged all concerned parties to exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, and avoid anything that could destabilize security and stability in the region.

UAE

The Emirati Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli attack, reiterating that all global conflicts must be resolved through diplomatic solutions.

“The ministry reiterated the UAE’s belief that enhancing dialogue, adhering to international laws, and respecting the sovereignty of states are the best foundations for resolving current crises,” the statement said.

Jordan

Jordan described the attack as a violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty, cautioning that the escalation could lead to a war that threatens regional and global stability.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufyan Qudah called on the international community to “assume its responsibilities and take immediate measures to impose a halt to the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon as a first step towards reducing the escalation.”

Amman emphasized the need for the international community to act swiftly to stop violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.

Oman

Oman strongly decried the aggression on Iran as a blatant breach of its sovereignty and a flagrant violation of international law.

Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Al-Busaidi, expressed deep concern. He urged the world to address the root causes of the crisis, particularly Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. Oman’s foreign ministry similarly described the attack as a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law.

Kuwait

Kuwait also condemned the attack, labeling it an aggression by Israel.

Syria

Syria issued a statement condemning the assault in the strongest terms, calling it an act of blatant aggression.

“Syrian Arab Republic condemns in the strongest terms the blatant Israeli aggression that took place on Saturday at dawn against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which coincided with a brutal air aggression against Syria, in a blatant violation of the sovereignty and sanctity of Iranian and Syrian territories, and a flagrant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.

“Syrian Arab Republic supports Iran’s legitimate right to defend itself, protect its territories and the lives of its citizens, which is guaranteed by international laws, and expresses its strong solidarity and support for it in the face of the aggression it is being subjected to,” the Syrian Foreign Ministry added.

The statement called on all free countries of the world to condemn Israel’s aggressive actions, work to put an end to them, and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and that they do not escape punishment.

Turkey

Turkey’s foreign ministry also issued a strong condemnation, calling the attack on Iran unacceptable.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over Israel’s actions, condemning them for violating international law and threatening regional peace. Sharif affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and its neighbors in seeking peace and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.

Iraq

The Iraqi government criticized Israel for its expansionist policies, accusing it of prolonging conflict in the region. Iraqi Sunni cleric Sheikh Mahdi Al-Sumaidaie condemned the violation of Iraqi airspace, expressing disappointment in Iraq’s air defense systems for their failure to respond. He urged the prime minister to take action and prevent further weaknesses.

Moqtada al-Sadr, an influential Iraqi leader, downplayed the attack, stating that it reflects Israel’s inner turmoil. He argued that the attack, though a violation of sovereignty, reveals Israel’s anxiety and confusion.

Yemen

The Sanaa government expressed its solidarity with the people and the Republic of Iran, affirming that the Israeli aggression came as a result of Tehran’s firm stance and defense of the people of Lebanon and Palestine.

“Iran’s position on the Palestinian cause is clear, and its support for the Resistance against the Israeli occupation and aggression serves as a beacon of hope for the peoples of the region.”

Yemen’s Ansarullah movement also condemned the attack, with senior official Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi asserting that Israel’s actions would not alter Iran’s principled stance in support of the Palestinian cause.

Russia

Russia warned of an “explosive escalation” in the region after the Israeli regime carried out airstrikes on military targets in Iran.

“We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence, and prevent events from developing into a catastrophic scenario,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Egypt

Egypt’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the assault, warning that such actions threaten both regional and global stability.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said the aggression constitutes a blatant violation of international law and seriously undermines regional stability.

“Malaysia calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to the cycle of violence,” read the ministry.

It said Israel’s continuous acts with impunity have severely affected and will continue to affect the security and future stability of West Asia, bringing the region closer to the brink of a wider conflict.

Lebanon

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it condemns the airstrikes launched by Israel at dawn on Saturday.

“These attacks constitute a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a serious threat to regional and international security and peace,” it said, calling on international institutions, especially the United Nations Security Council, to assume their responsibilities in putting an end to the Israeli escalation in the region.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s foreign ministry condemned the rise in tensions in the Middle East, including the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to avoid regional destabilization.

France

France refrained from explicitly condemning the attack, instead calling on all sides to avoid provocative actions that could exacerbate tensions.

Hamas

In a statement on Saturday, Hamas said the Israeli regime sought to target three Iranian provinces—Ilām, Khuzestan, and the capital, Tehran—in the early hours of Saturday. However, Iranian air defenses successfully intercepted and thwarted the attack.

“We consider this a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation that endangers the region’s security and the safety of its people, holding the occupation fully responsible for the consequences of this US-backed aggression,” wrote the statement.

The statement added that the attack underscored the bloodthirsty nature of the Israeli regime. “This fascist aggression reaffirms the criminal nature of the occupying entity, which continues to shed innocent civilian blood in Gaza, Lebanon, and other parts of our Arab and Islamic nations, backed by the criminal military and political support of the US administration and certain Western capitals.”

The statement also highlighted Iran’s air defense capabilities in countering the Israeli aggression, stating, “We commend the Islamic Republic’s preparedness, air defenses, and successful counter to the Zionist attack.”

“We reaffirm our solidarity and support for Iran in confronting the arrogance and recklessness of the Zionist entity,” the statement noted.

Condemning the Israeli regime’s recent attack against a number of military centers in Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Iran’s inherent right, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, to self-defense against foreign acts of aggression.

In a statement on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s aggressive measure against a number of military sites in Iran as a clear violation of the international law, the UN Charter, and the article on prohibition of threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

Referring to the warnings by the competent Iranian authorities, the ministry said, “On the basis of its inherent right to legitimate defense, stipulated in the Article 51 of the UN Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran considers itself to be rightful and duty bound to defend against the foreign acts of aggression.”

The statement noted that Iran will employ all of the physical and spiritual capabilities of the Iranian nation to protect its interests and security.

Being mindful of its duties to protect regional peace and security, Iran reminds all regional countries of their individual and collective responsibilities to safeguard peace and stability in the region and praises the pacific nations that have abhorred and condemned the Zionist regime’s aggressive action after understanding the current dire situation, it added.

The Foreign Ministry also noted that the root cause of tensions and insecurity in the region is the continuation of the Israeli regime’s occupation and illegal and criminal actions, especially the genocide of Palestinian people and the acts of aggression against Lebanon, which are carried out with the full military and political supports form the US and some other Western governments.

The statement also reminded each and every member state of the UN, the members of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the signatories to the four conventions approved in Geneva in 1949 of their responsibility to take immediate and collective action against the brazen violations of the international law and the UN Charter, the Genocide Convention, and the international humanitarian law.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry called for the international community’s immediate and urgent action to stop the Zionist regime’s genocidal crimes, war, and aggression against Gaza and Lebanon.

Earlier IRGC chief warns Israel

The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the Israeli regime not to place its confidence in the US deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery for repelling reprisal attacks from the resistance front.

Earlier this month, in its latest round of military assistance to the occupying regime, the United States sent its THAAD anti-missile defense system to Israel along with scores of soldiers and crew to operate it.

US President Joe Biden said the deployment was meant “to defend Israel,” and bolster the regime’s air defenses after heavy missile attacks by Iran and regional resistance groups, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

“Do not trust THAAD’s pipes; these are limited and you are relying on limited power. Shoot as much as you wish, your enemies will shoot many times more than you. You cannot win in this and we will defeat you,” Major General Hossein Salami said at a ceremony in commemoration of martyrs of the 1980s Iraqi imposed war in the western province of Kermanshah.

“A small land that 98% of its economy relies on the sea should be more mindful. Unwise decisions can lead to the downfall of a regime with an astounding acceleration. By the grace of God, we are standing up to this evil squad.”

Salami censured the US for its untrammeled support of Israel in its long genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

“The Americans are also mistaken that tied their political dignity to [Israel’s] crime and made themselves despicable and isolated among nations in the world,” he said.

“Today, the world knows the US through the bombs that fall on the children of Gaza and Lebanon. Little is left of all the glory of America’s superpower on earth and it will also not last.”

Made by US aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin, THAAD is an advanced anti-missile defense system that uses a combination of radar and interceptors to thwart short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with its missiles ranging from 150 to 200 kilometers.

Meanwhile Iran is ready to retaliate against Israeli aggression as announced earlier, an informed source told Tansim.
The source said Iran reserves its right to respond to any act of aggression.

There is no doubt that Israel will receive the appropriate response to any move (against Iran), the source added.(WTNS)