Iranian Leaders Mixed Messages on Gulf Attacks Raise Concerns

Iran Continues Military Strikes in Gulf Region Amid President’s Apology

President Masoud Pezeshkian has offered apologies to neighboring countries affected by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes since the US and Israel launched a military offensive on Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has responded with disapproval, warning that Iran will continue attacks if its territory is used against it.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would not stop its attacks while Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the parliament, emphasized Tehran’s right to self-defense. The IRGC released a statement on Saturday, saying that it respects neighboring countries’ interests and national sovereignty, but will target US military bases and installations if attacked.

The president later clarified that Iran had not attacked its neighbors, but targeted US military facilities in the region. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, echoed the IRGC’s message, stating that Iran will respond to enemy attacks from regional bases.

On Sunday, Pezeshkian reiterated his apology and stated that Iran wants good relations with neighboring countries, but has been forced to respond to attacks coming from other territories. He emphasized that this response does not mean a dispute with those countries.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that the country’s defensive operations against US military bases should not be misconstrued as hostility towards regional countries. The situation remains unclear, with ongoing attacks reported in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The IRGC has warned neighboring countries that if they allow their territory to be used against Iran, Tehran will consider them primary targets for attack. The US and Israel have not commented on the situation.

Source: Al Jazeera