Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has dismissed the US claim of self-defense as a legal justification for recent military attacks against Iran. Gharibabadi stated that attempts to reframe aggression through “wordplay” will not legitimize the actions in the eyes of international law. The comments come following recent US military strikes within Iraq and Syria targeting Iranian-backed groups. Tehran maintains these strikes are a violation of Iraqi and Syrian sovereignty, and an unlawful act of aggression. Gharibabadi’s statement signals Iran’s firm rejection of the US narrative and its intention to challenge the legality of the attacks on the international stage. The Iranian official did not specify what further actions Iran might take in response to the strikes. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries.