Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has stated that the United Nations Security Council's failure to address Israel's airstrikes on Iranian diplomatic facilities in Syria led Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes against Israeli military and intelligence bases.

Speaking with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, Amir-Abdollahian referred to Iran's recent Operation True Promise, a response to Israel's attacks on Iranian diplomatic sites in Damascus. He criticized the UN Security Council's inaction and mentioned that some permanent members blocked condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes.

Iran asserted its right to self-defense and retaliated by targeting Israeli military and intelligence bases involved in the attacks in Syria. Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran's actions were defensive and warned of strong responses to any future Israeli aggression.

In April, Iran launched a multi-pronged attack, involving over 300 drones and missiles, targeting Israeli-occupied territories. This action was in response to Israel's airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of two Quds Force generals and five accompanying officers.

Additionally, Amir-Abdollahian praised South Africa's initiative to file a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocidal acts in Palestinian territories. The ICJ ruled in January that South Africa's claims were plausible and ordered provisional measures against Israel.

South Africa's Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. She also revealed plans for an official visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi to South Africa in 2024.