Iran’s representative sent a letter to the UN security council about Israel threatening Iranian ships, saying Iran reserves the right to respond.

According to IRNA, on Wednesday, the office of Iran’s representative at the UN sent a letter stating: “In accordance with international conventions and article 51 of the UN charter, Iran reserves the right to defend itself.”

The article 51 of the UN charter is regarding the legitimate defense and use of military force against foreign aggression and military attacks.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, recently said that Israel’s navy can play a bigger role in stopping Iran’s oil smuggling and evading oil sanctions. He stated that Iran is evading US sanctions through the sea, and the Israeli navy can stop oil tankers that carry Iranian oil.

In recent years and before the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), Iran would try to evade sanctions by changing its ships’ names or the place of registry, changing their flags, and even turning off their navigation units. According to the published reports, in recent months at least two oil tankers with fake documents have been ceased while carrying Iranian oil to Asian ports.

Iranian officials and leader have threatened and even promised to annihilate Israel on numerous occasions.