IRAN DOES NOT SEEK ESCALATION BUT WILL DEFEND SOVEREIGNTY, SAYS EMBASSY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- Iran does not seek to escalate tensions but will defend its territory, nation, and sovereignty using all legitimate means as long as the aggression continues.

The Embassy of Iran in Malaysia said the country has no intention or will to target civilians or attack countries in the Middle East region.

“All defensive operations have been conducted with the fundamental consideration of targeting only the positions and bases of the aggressor US regime and the occupied territories, and observing the principles of distinction and proportionality enshrined in international humanitarian law,” it said in a statement on Sunday.

The embassy said the attack on Iran, “a crime that was carried out in a coordinated manner and without any legal or political justification,” is a clear violation of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

It noted that the attack on Saturday occurred at a time when Iran and the United States (US) were in the midst of a diplomatic process, demonstrating its determination to achieve a diplomatic and comprehensive solution based on regional and international peace and stability.

“The Iranian people are proud that they did everything necessary to prevent war,” it said, adding that now is the time to defend the country and confront the military aggression.

The embassy said that among the targets hit by the US and Israeli attacks were a large number of civilian sites, including at least one girls' primary school in southern Iran.

It said that, according to the latest figures, about 150 children were killed, about 100 were injured, and dozens more were trapped under the rubble, along with other civilian, medical, and educational infrastructure.

“These deliberate attacks against centres whose civilian nature is fully recognisable are a clear example of a war crime under the Geneva Conventions and are considered a grave insult to the conscience of humanity,” it added.

-- BERNAMA