TEHRAN (The COW News Digital) Iran has defended its retaliatory attacks against Gulf countries, arguing that states allowing the United States to use military bases on their territory for operations against Iran could become legitimate targets under the right to self-defence.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had documented evidence that certain regional countries permitted American forces to launch missiles, drones and military aircraft from bases located on their soil. He also accused these countries of providing logistical support to US military operations targeting Iran.
Speaking about the issue, Baghaei said Iran had raised the matter with the relevant governments through diplomatic channels, presenting what he described as documented evidence of their involvement in American military activities.
The spokesperson defended Iran’s strikes by referring to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right of individual and collective self-defence in response to an armed attack.
Baghaei maintained that Iran’s operations were not directed against the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Gulf countries. Instead, he claimed, the targets were American military bases and installations allegedly being used to conduct operations against Iranian territory.
He added that Tehran would continue raising its concerns through diplomatic engagement with countries across the region while reserving the right to take necessary measures to protect its national security.
However, Bahrain has rejected Iran’s justification for the attacks, describing Tehran’s explanation as an excuse. Bahraini officials warned that any action threatening the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would receive a strong response.
The exchange of statements has added to tensions in the Gulf region following reported Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain.
The developments have also drawn criticism from several countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, which have condemned the attacks and expressed concern over the growing regional instability.
Iran’s latest position highlights the widening dispute over the use of military facilities in Gulf countries and the role of regional states in the ongoing confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
While Iran insists that its actions are aimed at facilities supporting US military operations, Bahrain has rejected that argument and warned against further violations of its sovereignty.
