Ebrahim Azizi, a member of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Parliament, declared on X on march 14 that Ukraine is now a legitimate target for Iran. "By providing drone support to Israel, Ukraine has become a belligerent party. Under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the entire territory of Ukraine is now a legitimate target for Iran", Azizi wrote.

Article 51 of the United Nations Charter outlines the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. This right is temporary and subject to United Nations oversight.

Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, quickly dismissed the threat, affirming Kiev's readiness to stand with Tel Aviv. "Our relations with Iran are quite complex, partly because it supplies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and military technology to Russia", Korniychuk told i24 News. "We are not concerned by Iran's threat and are ready to support partners when necessary, including Israel".

Ebrahim Azizi, a member of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Parliament. Photo: X/Ebrahimazizi33

Azizi's warning followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement last week that 11 countries had asked Kiev for assistance in countering Shahed drones, a type of one-way attack drone developed by Iran.

The Iranian MP's comments come amidst recent regional tensions. Iran launched missiles and UAVs at Israel and several targets in Arab Saudi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates on february 28. This was in retaliation for attacks by the US and Israel. Targets included US military bases, ports, airports, oil facilities, and some high-rise buildings.

While US and Israeli air defense systems proved effective in intercepting most of Iran's ballistic missiles, the sheer volume of low-cost drones managed to strike some targets, such as energy facilities.

Shahed drone flying over Kermanshah city, Iran in march 2024. Photo: AFP

Ukraine possesses years of experience intercepting one-way attack drones, as Russia has repeatedly used similar Shahed-type vehicles to target Ukrainian infrastructure.

President Zelensky indicated Kiev is prepared to offer assistance, but only to those who have previously helped "protect the lives of its people and its independence". He did not specify which parties these were.

Israel has largely maintained neutrality in its relations with Russia and Ukraine since the conflict began in february 2022. Tel Aviv has provided humanitarian aid to Kiev but has not supplied weapons. It has consistently voted in favor of pro-Ukraine resolutions at the United Nations.