Iran launched a retaliatory strike against Israel following an attack on its consulate in Damascus. The move has drawn condemnation from European countries, including the UK, France, and Germany denouncing Iran’s actions.
In response to the European stance, Iran summoned the ambassadors of the aforementioned countries to Tehran. Iranian officials have accused the E3—Germany, France, and the UK—of applying double standards. They argue that while these countries were quick to condemn Iran’s actions, which Iran asserts are a form of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, they failed to denounce Israel’s initial attack on a diplomatic facility, a breach of international law including the 1961 Vienna Convention and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against. Internationally Protected Persons (New York, 1973).
Iranian authorities believe that the lack of censure from Western capitals, including the E3, has emboldened Israel to persist in its operations against Palestinians in Gaza. This sentiment is underscored by the claim that the E3 have overlooked the death toll in Gaza, which stands at 33,000, while maintaining unilateral support for Israel.
In a reciprocal move, France and the UK have taken diplomatic action against Iran, with France summoning the Iranian ambassador to Paris and the UK calling upon the Iranian Charge d’affaires in London.
