Tehran warns countries supporting US military actions of consequences
Tehran warns countries supporting US military actions of consequences
TEHRAN — Iran warned on Monday that countries allowing the United States or Israel to use their military bases, facilities or equipment for operations against Iran could face consequences, as Tehran hardened its position over the ongoing regional crisis and rejected any attempt to end the conflict on terms dictated by its adversaries.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran’s diplomatic strategy was being adjusted to reflect changing regional and international conditions, while emphasizing that Tehran would continue using bilateral and multilateral channels to defend what it considers its national interests, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran, Baqaei said Iran could not rely on diplomatic methods developed under different circumstances and needed to continuously strengthen its diplomatic capabilities. He described the US campaign of economic pressure as “economic warfare” and said Tehran had repeatedly characterized such measures as economic terrorism.
The spokesperson said Washington was using multiple forms of pressure against Iranians because of their insistence on national sovereignty, independence and dignity. He warned that Iran had already issued, and would continue to issue, warnings concerning countries that cooperate with US actions against the Islamic Republic.
Tehran rejects war settlement dictated by aggressor
The Iranian spokesman also sought to clarify President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent comments that it would be preferable to end the war while Iran was in a position of strength.
Baqaei rejected interpretations that the remarks indicated Tehran was prepared to make concessions to its adversaries. He said Iran had not initiated the conflict and would not permit the war to end on conditions imposed by the party responsible for the aggression.
“We will show no leniency toward the aggressors,” Baqaei said, arguing that Iran had been defending its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. He added that the aggressor should be held accountable.
According to Baqaei, the Iranian leadership had repeatedly made clear that the country would not surrender to coercion or domination. He said the government and all branches of the Iranian state had acted with unity during the 40-day conflict as well as during an earlier 12-day war.
The remarks underscore Tehran’s insistence that any future diplomatic process must take place without what it regards as coercive demands from Washington or its allies.
The spokesman also criticized the United States for what he described as repeated breaches of commitments in previous negotiations, including the 2015 nuclear agreement and other diplomatic understandings. He said Iran had repeatedly responded to what it considered goodwill gestures from Tehran with broken promises.
Warning to countries providing bases
Baqaei issued one of his strongest warnings to countries whose military infrastructure could be used by the United States or Israel in operations against Iran.
Responding to reports concerning American military facilities and aircraft in European countries, he said Tehran had previously made clear its position on Bulgaria and confirmed reports that several US KC-135 refueling aircraft had departed the country.
Baqaei argued that allowing foreign military forces to use national bases and facilities for attacks on Iran could amount to participation in aggression under international law. He said Iran had no dispute with the people of Bulgaria but viewed the use of facilities there in support of US and Israeli military operations as problematic.
He further warned that Iran considered itself entitled to respond against the source of an attack.
“It is Iran’s right to target the source and origin of any act of aggression,” Baqaei said, adding that Tehran would show no leniency in defending the country.
The warning comes amid heightened sensitivity over the role of foreign military bases and logistical facilities in any potential resumption of hostilities.
Strait of Hormuz becomes a key flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz was another major focus of the briefing, with Baqaei rejecting claims in US media and official circles that the strategic waterway had become fully open to shipping.
He disputed reports citing oil flows ranging from 5 million to 17 million barrels per day and claims of a sharp increase in maritime traffic. Baqaei described the figures as part of what he called a media and psychological campaign, arguing that insecurity created by US and Israeli actions had affected conditions in the region and around the strait since February 28, 2026.
The comments highlight the strategic importance of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies normally passes, and signal that Tehran continues to regard security and traffic through the waterway as closely linked to the wider regional conflict.
Baqaei said Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who was scheduled to visit Tehran, would discuss bilateral relations as well as security and shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, he rejected suggestions that the Omani visit was connected to the simultaneous visit by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Diplomacy continues amid economic pressure
Despite the confrontational rhetoric, Tehran said diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries remained active.
Baqaei described relations with Pakistan as being at their strongest stages and said Munir’s visit was aimed at further expanding bilateral ties. He also pointed to efforts to improve economic relations with Afghanistan, including reducing border and customs barriers.
He said a meeting between Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Baradar and President Pezeshkian had addressed ways of facilitating economic cooperation, adding that measures to remove obstacles to trade had subsequently been placed on the agenda.
Iran is also dealing with the consequences of US economic pressure and damage to its energy infrastructure. Baqaei said the government was taking the necessary measures to meet winter energy requirements, with the Oil Ministry handling technical preparations and the Foreign Ministry engaging with countries capable of supplying energy if needed.
He accused Washington of seeking to undermine Iran’s sovereignty while also damaging the international free-trade system by pressuring other countries to restrict commerce with Tehran. He called such pressure a violation of international relations and the principles of the U.N. Charter.
Tehran maintains regional policy
Baqaei also reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to Israel’s occupation and military presence in the region, describing resistance to what Tehran calls Zionist occupation as a principled element of Iranian foreign policy.
He said Iran’s position was not dependent on which political group or faction governed other Islamic countries and reiterated Tehran’s opposition to what it described as continued Israeli occupation and aggression in Syria.
At the same time, Baqaei denied reports that Iran had received an official invitation to join a proposed trilateral defense arrangement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He said regional proposals presented to Tehran so far had centered on dialogue, consultations and collective security rather than formal membership in a new defense bloc.
source: tehrantimes.com