Iran will 'not hesitate to exercise' right to self-defence: foreign ministry

China reiterates call for US, Iran to 'exercise restraint, stop escalating tensions'

The Iranian Foreign Ministry released a statement on Wednesday on X, condemning US attacks on Iranian soil. reiterating that it will "not hesitate to exercise" its right to self-defence.

“In the early hours of Wednesday. June 10, 1405, under the pretext of the downing of one of its army’s Apache helicopters over the Strait of Hormuz, the American terrorist regime carried out savage attacks Monday night against several areas in the south of the country," it read.

🔺 Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement on the U.S. attacks:“In the early hours of Wednesday. June 10, 1405, under the pretext of the downing of one of its army’s Apache helicopters over the Strait of Hormuz, the American terrorist regime carried…pic.twitter.com/0EZSMVFOCy

The statement condemned the attacks as a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter. the "fundamental principle prohibiting the use of force in international relations."

"With these aggressive actions, the ruling American establishment has once again demonstrated its criminal and warmongering nature."

The ministry described the retaliatory efforts of the IRGC in striking US bases in the region. They went on to remind other nations, "particularly those located on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf of their legal. ethical responsibility to prevent the US terrorist army and the Zionist regime from using their territory and facilities to plan, organise, execute, and support aggressive actions against Iran."

It said that Iran would "not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defence, including by targeting the source of attacks as well as the bases. logistical facilities used to carry out and support aggressive operations against Iran."

The ministry also reminded the UN of "its responsibility, particularly the Security Council. the Secretary-General, to safeguard international peace and security and to hold the aggressor parties accountable.”

Russia says it is ‘extremely concerned’ about rising tensions in Mideast

Russia said on Wednesday that it is “extremely concerned” about heightened tensions in the Middle East, calling on sides to exercise restraint. immediately cease strikes.

“We are extremely concerned about the new round of US-Iranian armed conflict. which began with the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters during a press briefing.

Calling on the sides to exercise restraint. immediately cease military strikes, Zakharova highlighted attacks on civilian infrastructure as “categorically inadmissible.”

Zakharova said Russia remains convinced there is no alternative to a political. diplomatic resolution of the conflict based on international law and the security interests of all regional states.

"Increasing attention is being paid to the security of the entire region. We hope for the situation to return to a political and diplomatic framework as soon as possible,” she added.

The spokeswoman noted, in this context, that Russia is ready to facilitate the identification and implementation of mutually acceptable solutions.

Iran says US and Israel undermining diplomatic process through ceasefire violations

Diplomatic efforts with the United States cannot advance under repeated ceasefire violations, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday, following overnight clashes in the Gulf between Tehran. Washington.

Baghaei accused Washington of undermining diplomacy through contradictory messages, shifting positions. repeated ceasefire violations, and said Israel was also damaging the process through repeated ceasefire breaches in Lebanon.

"Following overnight events, we need to reassess (the diplomatic path with Washington).. any diplomatic process requires a minimum stable environment," he said.

China reiterates call for US, Iran to 'exercise restraint, stop escalating tensions'

China on Wednesday reiterated its call on Washington. Tehran to stop escalating tensions after the US launched fresh attacks on Iran.

“China is deeply concerned” over the latest situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday. American forces launched air strikes against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday.

Later. Iran’s military headquarters said early Wednesday that attacks had been launched on some US bases in the region in response to American strikes on southern Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US opted to test Tehran's determination.

However. Lin called on the warring sides to “remain calm, exercise restraint, stop escalating tensions, take concrete actions to ease tensions.”

Lin asked the US. Iran to use political and diplomatic means toward “early realisation of a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says 21 US military targets hit across region

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Wednesday that it launched retaliatory attacks on 21 American military targets at US air. naval bases across the region.

Iran announced early Wednesday that it had launched an attack targeting 21 US-linked sites across the region. including the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, stressing that the operation was in response to recent American aggression against Iran.The targets also included a US F-35…pic.twitter.com/xTBlGXzjbZ

In a statement, the IRGC said long-range missiles destroyed four major targets at the Al-Azraq base in Jordan, including hangars housing F-35 fighter jets. a command-and-control centre.

در پاسخ به شرارت دشمن در بامداد امروز، رزمندگان شجاع نیروی هوافضای سپاه با استفاده از موشک های سوخت جامد دوربرد خود، چهار هدف مهم از جمله آشیانه های جنگنده‌های اف‑۳۵ در پایگاه هوایی و مرکز فرماندهی و کنترل ارتش کودک‌کش آمریکا در الازرق اردن را مورد اصابت قرار داده و منهدم کردند.

The Jordanian army said it shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards the al-Azraq area.

BREAKING: The Jordanian military said its air defence systems have intercepted. shot down five missiles launched from Iran that were targeting the Al-Azraq area in the country’s Zarqa province.🔴 LIVE updates:https://t.co/3AWnWhU6OLpic.twitter.com/vG06eLtBT6

It added that the missiles were destroyed by air defence systems. noted that falling debris from the projectiles caused no loss of life or material damage.

The IRGC also said it launched a drone attack targeting the Ali Al Salem Base in Kuwait in response to what it described as American aggression.

The IRGC warned that its forces were fully prepared to deliver a “crushing. decisive” response to any new attack, adding that US forces would bear responsibility for the consequences.

Iran’s FM Araghchi discusses US strikes with Saudi, Turkish counterparts

Iran’s IRNA news agency reports that the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations overnight with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia. Turkiye, according toAl Jazeera.

The ministers, according to the report, reviewed the latest regional developments following the US attacks on areas in southern Iran.

During these conversations, Araghchi condemned the US military aggression and the violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also emphasised the inherent right of Iran’s legitimate self-defence. the launch of retaliatory responses by Iran’s armed forces against aggressors, according to the news agency.

IRGC says it downed US MQ-9 drone, targeted Fifth Fleet in Bahrain

The IRGC said early Wednesday that it shot down a US MQ-9 drone over southern Bushehr province. launched a drone attack targeting the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

A US MQ-9 drone is seen ablaze after it was shot down over Iran's Bushehr province.pic.twitter.com/RQZ6OkOUDB

In a statement, the IRGC said the attack on the Bahrain-based fleet came in response to recent American strikes on Jask, Sirik. Qeshm in southern Iran.

It said the US strikes damaged a telecommunications tower in Sirik. destroyed two water tanks in the city’s Bamani district.

The IRGC added. its naval forces launched the drone attack against the US Fifth Fleet at 2.30 am local time.

❗️ VISUAL CONFIRMATION OF IRGC STRIKING US FIFTH FLEET BASE IN BAHRAINpic.twitter.com/PgrrEGYm4C

“The clashes are ongoing,” the statement said, warning that “heavier responses” would follow if attacks continue.

Kuwait says its air defences intercepted ‘hostile’ aerial targets

Kuwait’s army said early Wednesday that its air defence systems intercepted “hostile” aerial targets amid escalating regional tensions.

No further details were immediately provided by Kuwaiti authorities.

In neighbouring Bahrain, the Interior Ministry announced the activation of warning sirens across the country.

Iran warns no attack or threat ‘will go unanswered’ after US strikes in south

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned early Wednesday. no attack or threat against Iran “will go unanswered” following US strikes in southern parts of the country.

“Despite its defeats on the battlefield. the US opted to test our determination,” Araghchi said in a post on the US social media platform X.

Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the U.S. opted to test our determination.Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered.Leave our region if you want to be safe.History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders.pic.twitter.com/O17GGtklxA

“Our powerful armed forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered,” he added. while warning the United States to “leave our region if you want to be safe.”

“History of the Persian Gulf has many chapters on dire fates of intruding outsiders,” he said.

US strikes hit southern Iran

US strikes targeted parts of southern Iran early Wednesday, with explosions. projectile strikes reported in several areas of Hormozgan province, according to Iranian media.

Tasnim News Agencyreported that areas in Sirik, Qeshm Island and Minab came under attacks carried out by US fighter jets.

The agency said at least six explosions were heard in the targeted areas. while Iranian state TV confirmed that a projectile struck the city of Sirik.

Iranian state media later confirmed that several projectiles also struck Qeshm Island. though the exact nature of the impacts remained unclear.

The broadcaster also reported the activation of air defence systems in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm and Sirik.

Mehr News Agencyseparately reported four explosions at Jask port. another blast on the outskirts of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.

US launches self-defence strikes against Iran following Apache helicopter downing

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday. American forces have completed a series of "self-defence strikes" against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began launching self-defense strikes against Iran at 5 p.m. ET today at the Commander in Chief’s direction, in response to yesterday’s downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter. The mission is a proportional response to unjustified Iranian…

"CENTCOM forces struck Iranian air defence, ground control stations,. surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz with precision munitions from US Air Force and Navy fighter jets," the command said in a statement.

The command announced. its forces began conducting "self-defence strikes" against Iranian military targets at approximately 5 pm Eastern Time (2am PKT) on Tuesday.

"The operation was a proportional response to recent attacks on U.S. forces. international commercial ships transiting regional waters," it said, adding that US forces remain "vigilant and postured" to defend against "unjustified Iranian aggression."

Earlier. US President Donald Trump said that Washington is compelled to respond to an alleged Iranian attack that brought down a US military helicopter.

“I have just been informed by our great military. last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

He said both pilots were rescued and are uninjured, but “the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”

'I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful'

The incident followed several days of fluctuating tensions in the region, during which Israel. Iran traded military strikes before pulling back, underscoring the fragility of a ceasefire.

Trump described the strikes as a "very strong" and "very powerful" response to Iran.

"I think it's very important to respond. They shot down a helicopter, and we are responding as we speak," he toldABC Newsreporter Jonathan Karl.

"This is a response to what they did with our helicopter last night,. I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is," Trump was quoted as saying.

Separately, the Axios news site, citing a senior American official, reported that US military forces attacked several Iranian air defense batteries. radar systems around the Strait of Hormuz.

Axios said a second round of strikes in Iran were taking place "now" targeting air defense and radar systems.

Later, Axios reported that a third wave of attacks against Iran are "underway now."

Citing a senior White House official. Politico reported Tuesday that Trump thinks an Iran deal is "still close" despite the retaliatory strikes.

“Nothing changes where the deal stands right now,” said the official.

'Proportional and limited' strikes

US House Speaker Mike Johnson said the strikes were "proportional and limited."

"The White House. Pentagon have announced and said 'it's against unjustified Iranian aggression.' They did notify me as leader of the House before this began, and it's targeted strikes to the radar, missile and command and control sites, and it is defensive in nature," he said at a news conference.

Johnson said he was at the White House earlier Tuesday with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. others.

"We were with the president, and we talked about, you know, Iran," he added.

Senior Iranian lawmaker says regional energy infrastructure could be targeted if US attacks Iran

A senior Iranian lawmaker said Tuesday that energy infrastructure across the region could come under missile attack if the US launches military strikes against Iran. according to remarks carried by Iran’sMehrnews.

Hamidreza Haji Babaei, deputy speaker of the Iranian parliament, said any US attack would prompt a forceful response from Tehran.

“If the United States carries out even the smallest military attack against Iran. all energy facilities in the region will come under a barrage of Iranian missiles,” said Haji Babaei.

He claimed Washington would lose access to its oil, gas. other interests in the region for years if a conflict erupted.

Haji Babaei also said Iran was not concerned by US military threats. arguing that Washington was reluctant to enter a direct conflict despite recent regional tensions.

Haji Babaei said the US had crossed many of Iran’s red lines during the ceasefire period. argued that Tehran should focus on overcoming economic pressure and sanctions.

He also claimed the current “no war, no peace” situation was not in Iran’s interest, but said any hostile action by foreign military aircraft, helicopters or vessels in the region would face a response from Iran’s armed forces, including the army. the IRGC.

Tehran warns foreign forces near Iran ‘face risks’ after Trump’s threat

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Tuesday that foreign military forces operating near Iran “face risks,” calling for them to leave the region. hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to respond to an alleged Iranian attack on a US military helicopter.

In a statement posted on the US social media company X, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is shared by Iran. Oman and is located far from US territory.

“Our powerful armed forces are on constant alert for any violation of Iran’s airspace, land or waters,” he said.

Foreign forces in proximity to our territory are at constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire.To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave.We prefer language of diplomacy. speak other languages too.pic.twitter.com/5DDgHAscBj

Araghchi warned that foreign forces operating near Iran are exposed to risks stemming from “human errors. plain accidents, or potentially being caught in crossfire.”

“To reduce risk. the best solution is for foreign forces to exit, as soon as possible, an environment which will never be hospitable to a hostile presence,” he added.

The top diplomat said Tehran prefers diplomacy, but warned that Iran is capable of responding through other means if necessary.

“Iran prefers the language of diplomacy. However, as our brave warriors have shown to the world, we know how to speak other languages too,” he said.

The remarks came after Trump said the United States“must” respond to an alleged Iranian attackthat brought down a US Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military. last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He said both pilots were rescued unharmed. while US Central Command later confirmed that two crew members had been recovered after the crash, adding that the cause remains under investigation.

The latest exchange comes amid renewed tensions in the region following days of military confrontations involving Iran. Israel, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire

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