Iran defends Gulf strikes

by AZADEH AKBAR
Special contributor
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) – IRAN has defended its latest military operations against United States military installations in the Middle East, insisting its actions were a legitimate response to what it describes as continued American aggression against its territory and sovereignty.

Iranian military officials said the strikes targeted military facilities used by the United States and were not aimed at civilians.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly warned that any country allowing its territory to be used for attacks against Iran risks becoming a legitimate military target under Tehran’s defence doctrine.

Regional security sources indicate that military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were among locations attacked by Iran, although independent verification of the extent of the reported damage remains difficult amid the rapidly evolving conflict.

The renewed hostilities have also intensified tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passes.

Iran maintains that security in the waterway should be determined by regional states and has rejected Washington’s assertions that it can dictate passage through the strait. Shipping traffic has fallen sharply as commercial operators weigh security risks.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country’s actions were in accordance with its right to self-defence under international law and accused the United States of escalating the conflict through repeated military strikes and pressure on Tehran.

Iranian military spokespersons warned that any further attacks on Iranian territory would be met with what they described as a “decisive and proportionate” response.

United States President Donald Trump, however, defended Washington’s actions, saying the US would continue protecting maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

He announced the reinstatement of a US naval blockade on Iranian shipping and insisted the waterway would remain open under American protection, while warning Tehran against further military action.

The escalating confrontation has fuelled concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies and the prospects for diplomacy, with Oman and other regional mediators continuing efforts to encourage de-escalation between Tehran and Washington.

Analysts warn that unless both sides return to negotiations, the conflict risks widening across the Gulf and drawing in more regional actors.

– CAJ News