Iran Labels Israeli Attacks as ‘War Declaration,’ Quickly Replaces Fallen Military Chiefs

Iran’s foreign minister has labeled Israel’s attacks on its nuclear sites and military leaders as a “declaration of war” on Friday. In response, Tehran swiftly appointed new top commanders following the attacks, according to several media outlets.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s remarks coincide with a statement from his department alleging that Israel’s “aggression against Iran would not have been possible without the coordination and approval of the United States.”

“As a result, the U.S. government, as the main supporter of this regime, will also be held accountable for the severe consequences of the Zionist regime’s reckless actions,” stated the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Friday.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami and the country’s chief of staff of the armed forces, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, were killed by Israel’s strikes. As of Friday morning, Ahmad Vahidi was appointed to temporarily replace Salami, while Habibollah Sayyari will fill in for Bagheri, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing Iranian media. 

Firefighters and people clean up the scene of an explosion in Tehran, Iran, following Israeli airstrikes on Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP/Vahid Salemi)

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that Israel’s strikes “constitute a violation of Article 2(4) of the U.N. Charter and a blatant act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.  

“In accordance with Article 51 of the U.N. Charter, Iran reserves the legitimate and legal right to respond to this aggression. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to defend Iran’s sovereignty with full strength and in the manner they deem appropriate,” it continued. 

“As a founding member of the United Nations — an organization whose very purpose is to prevent aggression, breaches of peace, and threats to peace — the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores the Security Council’s obligation to take immediate action against this violation of international peace and security, stemming from the Zionist regime’s blatant aggression. We call upon the President and members of the Council to act without delay in this regard,” the foreign ministry added. 

Smoke rises after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP/Vahid Salemi)

“The grave and far-reaching consequences of the Zionist regime’s aggression against our beloved homeland, Iran, will rest entirely upon this regime and its supporters,” it also said.