Did Iran Condemn G7 Leaders for Supporting Israel?

Tehran, June 17 (NationPress) The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, criticized the Group of Seven (G7) leaders' recent joint statement regarding the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, asserting that it has flagrantly ignored Israel's blatant aggression and unlawful assaults on the nation's peaceful nuclear infrastructure. He also highlighted the indiscriminate targeting of residential areas and the killing of Iranian citizens.

In a joint declaration made after their meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, during the ongoing G7 Summit, the leaders labeled Iran as the “main source” of regional instability and terror. They emphasized that Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and urged all involved parties to seek de-escalation, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

However, Baqaei contended that Israel has initiated an unprovoked war against Iran, targeting its nuclear sites in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use or threat of force against peaceful nuclear facilities.

“G7 member states, especially the three Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), must recognize their legal and moral obligations concerning this egregious act of aggression against a UN member. They need to confront the reality,” Baqaei stated on X.

“Israel's aggressive actions against Iran undermine the UN Charter and international law. This unprecedented assault challenges the principles of the non-proliferation regime and the legal protections it should afford non-nuclear states,” he added.

Baqaei reported that hundreds of innocent individuals have lost their lives, and Iranian public and private properties have been ruthlessly destroyed. He mentioned that hospitals and health centers have also been targeted amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.

“The UNSC and its members must uphold the very purpose of the United Nations. UNSC members are obliged to act promptly to fulfill the Council's primary responsibility and halt the aggressor from committing further atrocities. Achieving regional stability necessitates an immediate cessation of Israel's aggression and accountability for its violations of international law,” he asserted.

Baqaei characterized the G7 nations' joint statement as a “one-sided rhetoric”, calling for the G7 to revise its stance and address the true source of escalation, which is Israel's aggression.

Previously, G7 leaders had expressed their support for Israel's security and reaffirmed the nation's right to defend itself amid rising tensions with Iran.

“We, the leaders of the G7, reaffirm our dedication to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we maintain that Israel has the right to defend itself and reiterate our support for its security. We also stress the significance of protecting civilians,” the G7 leaders' statement noted.

“Iran is the primary source of regional instability and terror. We have consistently asserted that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon. We hope the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” it further stated.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered its fifth day, with hostilities escalating as several missiles were launched from Iran at Israel, activating air raid sirens in Haifa and numerous other towns and communities across northern Israel and the Golan Heights, as confirmed by the Israeli military.