Iran’s foreign ministry has issued a stark warning to Gulf nations, asserting their legal and moral responsibility to prevent the United States and Israel from using their territory or facilities to launch attacks against Iran. The statement, released Wednesday, comes amid escalating tit-for-tat strikes between Tehran and Washington that have heightened tensions across the Middle East.
“We reiterate the legal and moral responsibility of all countries in the region, especially those along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, to prevent the US military and Israel from using their territory or facilities to plan, organize, execute, or support hostile actions against Iran,” the ministry said.
The warning followed Iranian attacks on US bases in Jordan and Bahrain, the latest in a series of retaliatory strikes after the downing of a US helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting four major sites in Jordan, including F-35 fighter nests at an air base and the US command center in Al-Azraq. Jordan’s military reported intercepting five missiles without casualties or damage.
The hostilities have spread to other nations, with air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain after Iran struck a US base there. Kuwait’s military said it was engaging hostile aerial targets. These incidents mark the worst bout of fighting between Washington and Tehran since their April ceasefire, casting doubt on US President Donald Trump’s earlier claim that negotiations were nearing an enduring settlement.
The United States had previously carried out strikes on Iranian air defense and surveillance sites near the Strait of Hormuz, which CENTCOM said were in response to Iran’s downing of an Apache attack helicopter. Reuters reported that US forces used precision munitions from fighter jets.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened payback on social media, stating: “The U.S. opted to test our determination. Our Powerful Armed Forces will leave no attack or threat unanswered.” The situation remains volatile, with regional stability hanging in the balance. Al Jazeera noted that the exchanges have raised fears of a broader conflict.
Source: ARY News