Iran Urges Regional Countries Not to Join Any New US Military Action

TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged regional countries not to become part of any possible new US military action against Iran and to persuade Washington to pursue diplomacy instead of war.

In an interview with Russian television, Araghchi said Iran had targeted only US military bases in the region rather than the Gulf countries themselves.

He said Iran had already warned its neighbouring countries that US military bases on their territories would be targeted in the event of an American attack.

The Iranian foreign minister maintained that Tehran was not responsible for incidents involving Iranian missiles falling in Gulf countries.

According to Araghchi, regional countries are now realizing that US military bases cannot provide them with protection and are themselves unable to ensure their own security.

He appealed to regional governments to use their influence to prevent the United States from launching another military operation against Iran rather than supporting a new war.

He stressed that efforts should focus on reducing tensions and establishing peace instead of escalating the conflict.

Araghchi expressed hope that regional countries had learned lessons from past experiences and would avoid becoming involved in another confrontation.

During the interview, the Iranian foreign minister also addressed questions about the absence of the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and the failure to release his photographs publicly.

He said his photographs were not being made public due to security concerns, but maintained that Mojtaba Khamenei was overseeing all major state affairs in his capacity as Supreme Leader.

According to Araghchi, government and state-related decisions are presented to Mojtaba Khamenei, who is actively performing his responsibilities.

He added that Iran was facing enemies seeking to target key figures, making extraordinary security precautions necessary.