**Iran Issues Warning to Gulf States Amid Ongoing US-Iran Conflict**
Iran has issued a stern warning to Arab nations in the Middle East, declaring that they could be considered legitimate targets for retaliatory strikes due to their hosting of US military bases. This statement comes in the wake of escalating military actions between Iran and the United States, which have intensified over recent days.
On Monday morning, local time, the US continued its bombardment of Iranian targets for the fourth consecutive night. This ongoing military operation follows a series of exchanges between the two nations, which have seen Iran respond with missile and drone strikes aimed at US military installations located in Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry and reported by ISNA, the government condemned the US attacks as "barbaric" and accused Gulf monarchies of facilitating what it described as an "illegal and criminal war" against Iran. The ministry emphasized that neighboring countries have a legal obligation under international law to prevent the use of their territories for military aggression against Iran.
The conflict, which escalated significantly after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, has seen cycles of violence and temporary ceasefires. A ceasefire was established in April, leading to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17. However, recent disagreements over the interpretation of this MoU, particularly concerning the status of the Strait of Hormuz, have reignited hostilities. Iran has declared the strait closed to shipping in response to the US and Israeli military actions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation. His appeal reflects growing international concern over the potential for further escalation in the region.
In defense of Iran's military actions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran's strikes on US military bases and assets in the southern Persian Gulf are a lawful exercise of its right to self-defense under international law. He emphasized that Iran does not initiate attacks but rather responds to aggression.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in the Middle East remains precarious, with the potential for broader conflict looming. The international community is closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that can prevent further violence and instability in the region.