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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is not attacking countries in the region but is instead targeting U.S. bases, installations and assets located there.
“We are retaliating,” Araghchi said in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Araghchi said Iranian strikes were directed at American military facilities in the region. “We are not attacking other countries in the region, but rather American bases, installations and assets which are unfortunately located in the soils of our neighbors,” he said.
He also addressed comments by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had apologized to neighboring countries for attacks carried out during the conflict.
Araghchi said the apology reflected concern over the impact of the fighting on neighboring states. “An apology in our culture is a sign of dignity and strength,” he said.
He said Pezeshkian’s remarks were intended to acknowledge “the inconveniences they have faced because of this aggression by the United States and retaliation by us.”
Araghchi added that it was the president of the United States who should apologize to the region. “It’s the president of the United States who should apologize to the people of region and Iranian people for the killings and destruction,” he said.
Araghchi also said Iranian forces are prepared if foreign troops enter the country.
“For the time being, we are capable enough,” he said.
He added that Iran has “very brave soldiers who are waiting for any enemy” and would “destroy” those who enter Iranian territory.
“We have a great civilization. We have defended our land for thousands of years and we continue to,” Araghchi said.
Araghchi also addressed questions about cooperation between Iran and Russia. U.S. intelligence officials believe Russia has provided Iran with information to help target U.S. troops and assets in the Middle East.
Araghchi said military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow was longstanding. “Military cooperation between Iran and Russia is not something new,” he said. “It’s been there and will continue in the future.”
Asked whether Russia was helping Iran locate American forces, Araghchi said he did not have detailed information. “I don’t have exact military information. As far as I know we have a very good partnership with Russia,” he said.
He added that Russia was helping Iran “in many different directions.”
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