Iran's response to Israeli strikes a 'matter of principle', ambassador to UK says

15 June 2025, 19:06 | Updated: 16 June 2025, 04:10

Iran's response to Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities is "self-defence" and a "matter of principle", the Iranian ambassador to the UK has told Sky News.

Speaking exclusively to The World With Yalda Hakim, Seyed Ali Mousavi said the "barbaric Israeli regime" is "violating international law" - describing Israel's actions in recent days as "an act of aggression against the Iranian people".

The conflict between Israel and Iran - once played out in a series of proxy wars - has escalated in the past three days.

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On Friday morning, explosions hit Tehran as Israel carried out a major attack on its top army leaders, nuclear sites, and nuclear scientists.

Iran threatened "severe punishment" and quickly retaliated with a wave of missiles.

When questioned about whether Iran could continue fighting Israel, the Iranian ambassador told Yalda Hakim that "it is a matter of principle".

He said: "This is about self-defence, there is no doubt about it.

"We are a responsible member state of the UN and we do all activities according to our international obligations.

"Any activities are only in the framework of self-defence."

He added that his country would "do our best to preserve our territorial integrity", and that "with the help of God", Iran will "materialise endeavours concretely against our enemy - the Israeli regime".

Mr Mousavi also told Hakim that Iran's nuclear activities are "monitored", and that recent comments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were "politically motivated".