Larijani says Iran targets US bases, not regional states

Iranian forces do not intend to strike regional countries; their target is U.S. military bases, which the Republic considers U.S. territory, said Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani.

“U.S. bases are not the territory of regional countries, they are U.S. territory. We do not intend to attack regional countries… We have attacked and will continue to attack bases in the region as long as they remain under U.S. control,” he said on the air of local outlet IRIB.

This clarification came amid ongoing retaliatory strikes following the February 28, 2026, joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes (Operation Epic Fury / Roaring Lion) that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures (e.g., IRGC elements, adviser Ali Shamkhani). 

Iran has launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones since late February 28 into March 1, targeting U.S. military installations across the Middle East, and Israel's Tel Aviv.

By Khagan Isayev