Speaking to reporters at a weekly press conference on Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei addressed the role of regional countries, including the UAE and others, in the context of the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.
He stated that Iran has always been and will remain a neighbor to all countries in the region. He explained that foresight requires remembering that while other actors may depart, Iran will continue to reside as a neighbor.
Iran does not consider regional countries as adversaries and has repeatedly emphasized that its operations target American bases, Baqaei said, noting that Iran’s position is grounded in lawful and ethical self-defense. He emphasized that it is unacceptable to allow Iranians to be attacked while Armed Forces remain passive—a right recognized under the UN Charter.
The spokesman warned that merely declaring that Iran is not part of the war is insufficient, pointing out that all countries know that permitting foreign forces to use their territory for aggression violates international law.
Baqaei denounced the enemy for repeatedly using bases in regional countries to carry out attacks, stressing that Iran’s defensive measures respond to such violations. He underlined that Iran expects neighboring countries to adhere to principles of brotherhood and good neighborliness, noting that the war is not solely against Iran and could sow discord in the future.
Iran should not be expected to exercise unilateral restraint, given that it has been attacked by two regimes knowingly using third-country territories against it, he added.
Regarding the UAE, Baqaei highlighted the significant contributions of Iranians to the Arab country’s development and called for responsible treatment of Iranian citizens with foresight.
He also addressed claims about Saudi Arabia’s alleged support for attacks on Iran and ongoing diplomatic relations, stating that Iran maintains ties with Saudi Arabia, communicates openly about its concerns, and that the legal obligation of Saudi Arabia and other regional states is clear—they must not allow their territories to be used for aggression.
The spokesman emphasized that Iran does not desire to conduct defensive operations within neighboring countries’ territories, noting that Iran’s Armed Forces act honorably and do not target regional nations. He highlighted that the United States and the Israeli regime are exploiting regional soil, citing reports of US fuel tankers moving through Saudi Arabia, and stressed Iran’s insistence that neighboring countries prevent such abuses.
Regarding efforts by Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan to halt the war, Baqaei praised Turkey’s longstanding exemplary relations with Iran and its condemnation of the aggression at both governmental and popular levels. He described Turkey’s approach as reflecting good neighborliness and awareness of the causes and regional consequences of the conflict.
Baqaei noted that Turkey recognizes Israeli ambitions in the region and that its officials have repeatedly identified Israel as a key regional security challenge. He concluded that initiatives by Turkey and other countries show concern for regional peace, expressing hope that all nations pursuing efforts to prevent escalation act fairly and realistically.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.