Iran warns neighbors against becoming launchpad for US and Israel

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a series of emergency phone calls to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, according to IRNA.

During the conversations, which took place against the backdrop of major U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory on February 28, the head of Iran's diplomatic service warned neighboring states that the unleashed war threatens not only Iran but the entire region. He stated that any facilitation of the aggressors would make them a "legitimate target" for Tehran.

During the telephone negotiations, Araghchi emphasized that the U.S. and Israel, through their actions, have grossly violated the UN Charter and the principles of international peace and security. The Iranian FM called on Muslim and regional states to fulfill their "historical responsibility" and stand against this "sinister plot."

The Iranian diplomat reminded his interlocutors of their responsibility to prevent the use of their territory, airspace, or military facilities for aggression against the Islamic Republic. He conveyed that if this warning is ignored, Tehran reserves the right to consider as legitimate targets not only the sources of aggression but also any territories used to counter Iran's defensive operations.

In an official statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry also underscored that Tehran will use all its defensive capabilities, based on its inherent right of self-defense, to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier, Araghchi also held talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Islamabad strongly condemned the "unprovoked attacks on Iran" and called for an immediate halt to the escalation. The Pakistani minister stressed the urgent need to return to diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis, warning that the continuation of the conflict threatens to destabilize the entire region.