Iran (IMNA) – Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baghaei said no country in the region believes the Israeli regime would carry out attacks on Lebanon without prior coordination and cooperation with the United States.
He noted that the United States had previously waged what he described as a war of aggression against Iran in support of the Israeli regime and its actions. Baghaei added that Iran possesses information indicating coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv in both offensive and defensive military spheres, arguing that the US cannot be separated from developments related to the Israeli regime.
While acknowledging claims that the Israeli regime does not always follow US directives, Baghaei said Washington’s responsibility remains “clear,” particularly as a party involved in ceasefire arrangements. He stated that any action in the region, whether carried out directly by the United States or through the Israeli regime in Lebanon, makes Washington fully accountable for the consequences of any escalation.
Addressing ongoing diplomatic contacts amid recent Israeli strikes, Baghaei said the latest developments have further deepened mistrust. He noted that Iran had already been exchanging messages with the United States under conditions of “severe suspicion,” adding that contradictory US positions and what he described as confusing statements have contributed to instability in diplomatic efforts.
“These 24-hour developments are further aggravating the situation,” he said.
Baghaei emphasized that Iran will continue to act in accordance with its national interests and security requirements. He said Tehran would not allow the Israeli regime and the United States to continue violations while limiting their response to general statements on maintaining ceasefires, adding that all sectors of the Iranian system and society are prepared for any scenario.
He also underlined that diplomatic efforts aimed at ending what he described as the imposed US-Israeli war of aggression could be affected if their purpose is undermined. According to Baghaei, diplomacy and field actions are being pursued simultaneously to protect Iran’s interests. “Where necessary, the Armed Forces will act,” he said.
The remarks came amid rising regional tensions following Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and continued violations of the April 8 ceasefire agreement. In response, Iran launched a series of missile strikes against Israeli military targets.
Late Sunday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it had targeted the Ramat David airbase with ballistic missiles, describing the base as the source of Israeli attacks against Lebanon, including strikes that caused civilian casualties and displacement in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s Dahiyeh district.
On Monday morning, the IRGC said it launched “Operation Nasr (Victory)” against the Tel Nof and Nevatim airbases in the occupied territories in response to Israeli missile strikes on radar sites inside Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the operations as an act of legitimate self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, reiterating that Tehran’s actions followed repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire and continued attacks on Lebanon. The ministry also warned that any further Israeli attacks on Lebanon or Iranian interests would be met with a broader and more forceful response.
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