Iran Declares Ukraine a Legitimate Target Following Drone Support to Israel

The head of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ibrahim Azizi, stated that Ukraine has become a legitimate target for Iran due to its provision of drone assistance to Israel. This declaration follows Ukraine’s support for Israel and raises concerns about potential escalation in the region.

Azizi’s Statement and UN Charter Reference

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), Azizi asserted that by providing drone support to Israel, Ukraine has effectively participated in the conflict and, under Article 51 of the UN Charter, has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran.

US Response and Ukrainian Rebuttal

The statement comes after former US President Donald Trump suggested on March 13, 2026, that Ukraine does not require assistance in intercepting Iranian drones in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s comments, characterizing them as “rhetoric.”

Background: Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission

The Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy is a significant body within the Iranian Parliament, playing a key role in parliamentary diplomacy. It comprises several committees, including the Human Rights Committee, the Foreign Policy Committee, the Internal Security Committee, and the Defense Committee. Source

Ebrahim Azizi was elected as the chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission in 2024. Source Abbas Moghtadaei and Seyyed Mahmoud Nabavian serve as the first and second vice presidents of the committee, with Ebrahim Rezaei as its spokesman. Source

Azizi recently met with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf on Monday, further highlighting the commission’s engagement in international diplomacy. Source

Azizi’s Previous Statements

In September 2025, Ibrahim Azizi stated that the “maximum pressure” policy against Iran would not succeed and that those implementing it would regret their actions. Source