IRAN issued a severe warning to its neighbours yesterday, vowing to defend its national interests while urging the regional states to reconsider hosting US-Israeli attacks.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, warned: ‘If in the future we witness another aggression by America and the Zionist regime, and their (neighbouring countries’) soil is used to attack Iran, certainly the response will be different.’
All countries in the region have had a bitter experience from the US military presence and intervention, he said, and these countries bear international responsibility for participating in aggressive actions.
He added: ‘We are eternal neighbours.’
Baghaei noted that on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian officials had held good meetings with almost all southern Persian Gulf countries.
He also pointed to the presence of the Israeli prime minister in the UAE, warning that the Zionist regime is seeking to sow sedition in the region.
He called on neighbouring states not to allow their facilities and territory to be ‘abused by parties that have shown no regard for regional security and prosperity’.
Baghaei described Iran’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly as one of the most successful international appearances.
A small but highly productive delegation, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, attended the summit, where meetings with counterparts, think tanks, and media helped explain Iran’s positions on regional and global issues.
Responding to a United States claim that two Iranian delegates were expelled from the US, Baghaei dismissed this as ‘pure lies’.
He said Iran’s travel, entry, and exit were fully notified in advance. One diplomat left New York due to US pressure, while the other departed according to the pre-arranged schedule.
‘This is an admission by the host government that it violated its obligations,’ Baghaei said. ‘It proves they are not a worthy host for the United Nations.’
He added that the US, having failed to prevent Iran’s participation and isolate Tehran, resorted to such ‘cheap news-making’.
Baghaei said Iran’s seven-day plan – to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – was the latest initiative to keep the diplomatic path open, and the world witnessed Iran’s responsible and goodwill-based approach.
He noted that previous experiences show the American side is not committed to diplomacy and has always shirked its obligations.
‘That is why, while we speak of diplomacy, we will decisively defend Iran’s national interests and security. Our armed forces are vigilant, powerful, and ready to repel any evil.’
Baghaei also said the British ambassador was summoned last Thursday to receive Iran’s official protest over baseless accusations linking Tehran to an alleged incident at a British airbase.
He described UK accusations against Iran as a ‘forward escape’ because London knows Iran has demanded accountability for Britain’s participation in the military aggression.
‘There is no doubt that Britain directly participated in this illegal war by providing its military bases,’ he said.
‘The British government must be held accountable. It cannot escape responsibility with fabricated claims.’
