TEHRAN: Iran summoned the ambassadors of Germany and Austria on Thursday after their governments condemned Tehran over its missile attack on Israel, state media reported.
The Iranian foreign ministry labeled the European nations’ actions as “unacceptable measures” after they had summoned Iranian envoys to express their concerns, IRNA news agency reported.
The official Iranian news agency reported that the foreign ministry defended the missile attack as a “legitimate, responsible and effective response” against what it termed the “aggressor Zionist regime” (Israel).
On Tuesday evening, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel, marking its second direct attack on the country in recent years.
The assault was in retaliation for the killing of several key figures allied with Iran, including Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Quds Force commander Abbas Nilforoushan, who were killed in an operation last month. Additionally, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh died in a bombing in Tehran in July.
Following the attack, international criticism of Iran has surged, with several countries, including those in the G7, expressing concern and calling for further sanctions against Tehran.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei condemned the G7’s “biased and irresponsible approach” and reiterated that the missile strike was a necessary response to ongoing Israeli aggression.
