Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that neighboring countries should direct their anger toward the United States and Israel, not Iran, following a series of retaliatory strikes. His remarks came after Iran launched attacks on US bases located in neighboring states in response to a joint US-Israeli assault on Iran. The strikes have caused damage in those countries, prompting expressions of anger from their governments.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi stated that Iran is not targeting its neighboring brothers but is striking facilities linked to US and Israeli interests. He emphasized that Iran has no choice but to defend itself. The minister added that Tehran is maintaining communication with all neighboring countries to explain its position and hopes they will understand that Iran did not create the current situation and bears no responsibility for it.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s actions are defensive and that the country seeks understanding from its regional partners as tensions continue to rise.