Iran warns countries aiding US they will become legitimate military targets

Iran has warned that any country supporting or facilitating US military action against the Islamic Republic would be regarded as a legitimate military target, as tensions over the conflict with Washington continue to escalate.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered the warning during a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi said Tehran remained firmly committed to defending its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, warning that any state participating in or assisting attacks against Iran would bear international responsibility.

He said Iran reserved the right to take "all necessary measures" in self-defence and would consider any country involved in military operations against the Islamic Republic a legitimate target for its armed forces.

Addressing fellow SCO members, Araghchi also called for greater unity and cooperation, urging countries not to allow "aggression to replace diplomacy, force to replace law, and double standards to replace justice."

"A secure, stable and just future can only be achieved when we all speak with one voice in defence of the rule of law, the equality of states, respect for national sovereignty and the dignity of peoples," he said.

The remarks come amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States. Following the outbreak of conflict involving the US and Israel on February 28, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at halting military operations, including in Lebanon.

However, the ceasefire proved short-lived. On July 8, the United States resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the agreement over issues concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

By Aghakazim Guliyev