Iran warns nations aiding US strikes could become 'legitimate targets' after fresh attacks
Iran has sharply escalated its rhetoric following fresh US military strikes, accusing Washington of violating the UN Charter and threatening that any country facilitating attacks on Iranian territory could itself become a target. The latest exchange has further heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Tehran also rejecting US claims about recent Muscat talks and calling on the United Nations to intervene.
Iran warns countries aiding US could face retaliation
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the latest US military strikes, describing them as a "flagrant violation" of the UN Charter and accusing Washington of destabilising the region while violating a ceasefire agreement.
In a strongly worded statement, the ministry warned that countries allowing their territory or military facilities to be used for attacks against Iran could face retaliatory action.
"The territory or facilities of any country used to launch military attacks against Iran may be regarded as the origin of aggression and treated as a legitimate target for defensive operations by the Iranian armed forces," the ministry said.
Tehran also urged the United Nations to hold the United States accountable, alleging that the attacks constituted acts of aggression and breached international law.
Tehran rejects US claims on Muscat talks
Iran also dismissed remarks attributed to the US President regarding the outcome of recent discussions held in Muscat, calling the claims "a complete lie."
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According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the Muscat talks focused exclusively on arrangements concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz and the security of international shipping routes, contrary to the characterisation offered by the US President.
The ministry further criticised the UN Secretariat for what it described as an inadequate response to the recent US military action. It urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council to hold those responsible accountable, reiterating that the strikes violated international law and the UN Charter.
Fresh US strikes intensify regional tensions
The latest Iranian statement comes after the United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran on Sunday.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation was intended to further degrade Tehran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Press TV reported that three explosions were heard in the southern cities of Jask, Bandar Abbas and Sirik following the operation.
US forces reportedly struck around 140 Iranian military targets using precision-guided munitions launched by land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels. The targets included missile and drone sites, naval assets, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance installations.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the renewed military confrontation between Iran and the United States, warning that continued escalation could have severe regional and global consequences.
(With inputs from ANI)