Iran vows to make US, Israel regret aggression; China urges attackers to end 'bullying' behavior

Iran pledges to sustain its defensive and retaliatory measures until prompting the United States and the Israeli regime to "regret" launching their latest bout of unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday, the 26th day since the onset of the aggression.

Araghchi detailed Washington's and Tel Aviv's attacks targeting the Islamic Republic's civilian and defense infrastructure alike since February 28, calling the atrocities the primary cause of the current instability in the region.

"Iran will defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity until all objectives are achieved and the enemy is made to regret its violent aggression," he added.

He also stressed that the insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz was directly linked to the atrocities.

"The measures and precautions taken by Iran are in accordance with international law and are aimed at defending Iran’s sovereignty and national security, while preventing aggressors from misusing this waterway to carry out acts of aggression against Iran."

In retaliation for the atrocities, the Islamic Republic has closed the strategic strait to enemy vessels and ships belonging to those who have been assisting the aggressors.

However, ships from other nations may pass in coordination with Iranian authorities, the Iranian foreign minister noted.

UN Security Council criticized for ignoring aggressors

Araghchi, meanwhile, strongly condemned efforts by the US and certain other countries within the United Nations Security Council to pressure Iran.

He criticized the Council for ignoring the main aggressors and instead blaming the Islamic Republic for defending itself.

Under pressure from Washington, the Council recently adopted a resolution condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes against American outposts and interests in Persian Gulf littoral states.

The Islamic Republic has defended the strikes, saying it reserves the right to target such facilities since the countries hosting them would lend their respective soils to the aggressors to launch attacks on Iranian territory.

"Iran’s serious expectation from Security Council members, especially China and Russia, is to take a firm stance in condemning US and Israeli aggression and prevent the continued misuse of the Council by the United States," Araghchi told Wang.

China calls for end to 'bullying,' urges upholding diplomacy

For his part, the Chinese top diplomat reaffirmed Beijing’s principled condemnation of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, denouncing violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stressed the importance of ending "bullying behavior" in international affairs and resolving disputes through diplomacy and international law.

The Chinese foreign minister also offered condolences for the recent martyrdom of Dr. Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, during the aggression, describing him as "a highly intelligent, distinguished, and patriotic figure, who played a pivotal role in securing Iran’s national interests and promoting regional peace and stability."

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