Iran has warned that US military bases, facilities and assets would be “legitimate targets” if the United States follows through on military threats and attacks.
Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, according to AFP.
The letter responded to comments by US President Donald Trump, who deployed warships, fighter jets and other military equipment to the Middle East to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies seeking.
Iravani cited a social media post by Trump indicating that the United States might use UK military bases, including one on an Indian Ocean island, if Iran refuses to make a deal. “Such a belligerent statement by the President of the United States signals a real risk of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region and would constitute a grave threat to international peace and security,” Iravani wrote.
He urged the UN Security Council to ensure that the United States immediately ceases unlawful threats of force. The letter emphasized that Iran remains committed to diplomatic solutions and addressing ambiguities regarding its peaceful nuclear programme on a reciprocal basis.
However, Iravani warned that any military aggression against Iran would make all bases, facilities and assets of hostile forces in the region legitimate targets in the context of Iran’s defensive response.
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, citing both crackdowns on anti government protesters and the country’s nuclear program. On Thursday, he said Iran had at most 15 days to reach a deal, reiterating that the United States would act if one is not reached.
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