Exclusive Interview with CNN
US Delegation Expressed Satisfaction with Negotiations, Then Launched Sudden Aggression
Self-Defense Measures Under Article 51 of the UN Charter
US Assets and Military Bases, Not Middle Eastern Countries, Are the Targets
Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on March 2 (local time) that the United States has betrayed diplomatic trust and that Iran has entered a state of self-defense.
In an exclusive interview with CNN on that day, Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi said, "The United States committed a serious crime while negotiations were ongoing."
He went on to explain, "While we were staying in Geneva, Switzerland, we engaged in earnest negotiations with the US side through Oman's mediation. By the end of the talks, everyone was satisfied, and in fact, we had agreed to send a technical team to Vienna today and to meet again later this weekend."
He continued, "Suddenly, on Saturday (the 28th of last month) right after the talks ended, we faced blatant aggression committed by the United States and Israel. How can this be justified? Why would the (US) delegation express satisfaction with the negotiations and then commit a serious crime two days later? How can we speak of diplomacy when diplomatic trust has been broken?"
When asked about who holds real power in Iran, Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi replied, "The constitution speaks for itself. The Supreme Leader was assassinated by Israel and the United States, and until a new leader is elected, a three-person committee has been formed to carry out the duties. All systems are functioning normally," he emphasized.
Regarding Iran's retaliatory attacks on US military bases in the Middle East, including Qatar and Kuwait, he said, "Our policy toward neighboring countries is very clear. Before this aggression occurred, we informed our neighboring countries that if the United States or Israel committed hostile acts against Iran, we would undoubtedly enter self-defense mode and target any US assets and military bases in the region."
He added, "According to Article 51 of the UN Charter, those locations are legitimate targets. Every action we are taking is a defensive measure against US targets and assets in the region."
Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter prohibits the use of force between nations. However, there is an exception (Article 51 of the UN Charter) that allows the right of self-defense in the case of an armed attack. Since the United States and Israel initiated military operations first, Iran's attacks on US military bases, as an exercise of the right of self-defense, are not considered a violation of international law.
When asked why Saudi Arabia's oil fields became targets, Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi said, "We have already discussed this matter with our brothers in Saudi Arabia. Iran is not responsible for the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities." He added, "As officially announced today, those sites were not targeted by the Iranian military."
However, when asked why countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar in the Middle East should continue to fear Iranian attacks, he stated, "As long as the aggression continues, we will remain in self-defense mode and act accordingly."
Regarding US President Donald Trump's remarks that airstrikes could continue for four to five weeks, and whether Iran could withstand such a duration, Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi responded, "We will do our utmost to defend ourselves as long as we are able. Time is not the essential issue."
He added, "We will take all necessary steps to protect our sovereignty and our people, under any circumstances."
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