Iran’s UK Ambassador Vows “Decisive” Defense Under International Law—Despite Civilian Strikes

Ali Mousavi, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated that the Islamic Republic will “defend itself decisively within the framework of international law.” The comment, made amid rising global scrutiny, comes after Iran launched missiles that struck civilian areas in Israel—including residential buildings and religious sites—raising immediate accusations of violating international humanitarian law. Despite Tehran’s claim of legitimacy, critics note that targeting non-combatants violates the Geneva Conventions and customary international law. Israel has cited such attacks as proof that Iran’s strategy deliberately blurs the line between military engagement and terror warfare.