Iranian FM warns US, Israeli bases are "legitimate targets"

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held telephone consultations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq amid US-Israeli attacks on its territory. 

During the calls, Araghchi described the recent strikes by the United States and Israel as a serious violation of the UN Charter and a crime against international peace and security, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports. 

He stressed that Iran reserves the right to legitimate self-defence and would use all available defence and military capabilities to safeguard its territorial integrity.

At the same time, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to a policy of "good neighbourliness and friendship" with countries in the region, while underscoring the international responsibility to prevent regional territories and resources from being used for "aggression against Iran."

The Iranian foreign minister also said that Iran’s armed forces regard the bases and facilities of "aggressor states" as legitimate targets under international law. He argued that the actions of the United States and Israel were directed not only at Iran but at the wider region, and called on Muslim nations and their governments to oppose "destabilising plans" by Israel.

By Sabina Mammadli