AhlulBayt News Agency: Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom welcomed British officials’ stance against direct involvement in the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran, while warning that any military base used to launch attacks on Iran would be considered a legitimate target.
Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iran’s ambassador in London, made the remarks in an interview with LBC, referring to Iran’s strikes on U.S. bases and interests in regional countries as part of Operation True Promise 4.
“Iran is not at war with any country and is only defending itself against aggression by the United States and Israel,” Mousavi said.
He added that the root cause of the current crisis was the military attack launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Bases Used for Attacks on Iran “Legitimate Targets”
The Iranian ambassador stressed that any military facility used to carry out attacks against Iran would be considered a legitimate target under international law and the right of self-defense.
“Any military base used to conduct attacks against Iran will be regarded as a legitimate target in accordance with international law and Iran’s right to self-defense,” he said.
Iran Has No Intention to Harm Civilians
Responding to questions about British interests in the region, Mousavi said Iran has no intention of harming British citizens or other civilians living in the Persian Gulf region.
“Iran has no intention of harming British citizens or other civilians living in the Gulf countries. Iran knows the precise locations of military bases and does not target civilians,” he said.
The ambassador also welcomed remarks by Yvette Cooper, who stated that, based on the lessons of the Iraq War, participation in a war against Iran would not serve Britain’s interests.
Iran Will Respond to Any Attack
Mousavi warned that if any country attacks Iran under the pretext of collective or individual defense, Tehran will respond decisively.
“If any country attacks Iran under the name of collective or individual defense, Iran will deliver a legitimate and decisive response. Iran is defending its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national dignity,” he said.
Energy Market Consequences
He also warned that the conflict would have consequences for global energy markets.
“The rise in global energy costs is a consequence of this war, and pressure must be exerted on the United States and Israel to end it,” Mousavi said.
Aggressive attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity began on February 28 and are continuing. Military and civilian facilities have been targeted in the strikes, and more than 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, several military commanders and civilians, have been killed.
In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise 4, targeting U.S. military bases and interests in regional countries as well as specific targets in the occupied territories.
Iranian officials have also warned regional countries that if they prevent attacks against Iran from being launched from their territories, Tehran will halt its strikes on U.S. interests located in those countries.
In a post on the social media platform X, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi referred to a statement by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) that included images indicating that attacks against Iran were carried out from Bahrain.
“Thank you for admitting that you are using the territory of our neighbors to deploy HIMARS systems and launch short-range missiles against our people,” Araghchi wrote, adding that the attack on a desalination plant in Qeshm Island was apparently carried out using the same systems.
He warned that if Iran’s powerful missiles destroy these systems wherever they are located in retaliation, “no one should complain.”
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