Iran Threatens Gulf States With Lawsuits Over US and Israeli Aid

Iran's Foreign Ministry has threatened Persian Gulf nations with legal action and demands for compensation, accusing them of aiding U.S. and Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic. Esmaeil Baghaei, the official representative of Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference in Tehran that Iranian authorities have documented the involvement of neighboring states in operations targeting Iran. He asserted that Tehran intends to pursue financial compensation through diplomatic and legal channels.

Baghaei's remarks came in response to criticism from the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who had blamed Iran for regional shelling and demanded reparations. Baghaei urged the GCC not to "stir up old wounds," reminding them of past support for Saddam Hussein's regime and accusing them of providing territory, airspace, and military bases for attacks against Iran. He emphasized that Iran's military actions were purely defensive and aimed solely at American military installations.

The diplomat also addressed relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing its leadership of bias and succumbing to pressure from Washington and European capitals. He criticized deliberate leaks of confidential reports to Western media before their official release, which he believes undermine trust in the agency. Baghaei noted the IAEA's acknowledgment of a malfunction in its work in Iran following strikes on nuclear facilities but its refusal to directly name the U.S. and Israel as responsible for the crisis.

Regarding calls within Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Baghaei explained that such decisions are made by relevant state bodies according to law. He assured that Iran, as a signatory, adheres to its obligations but will not relinquish its right to peaceful nuclear energy. He also mentioned that attempts by Western countries to trigger automatic sanctions restoration failed due to a split in the UN Security Council.

Baghaei highlighted Iran's ongoing communication with Russia and China, calling them strategic partners who share Iran's position and condemn Washington's confrontational policies. He stated that Tehran supports Moscow and Beijing's demand for accountability from the U.S. for its actions in the region. Addressing the situation in Lebanon and a recent IRGC attack on American bases in Bahrain, Baghaei rejected U.S. Secretary of State's attempts to exclude Lebanon from ceasefire negotiations, asserting that Washington has no right to determine the fate of Middle Eastern peoples from afar. He concluded by stating that Tehran expects no concessions from the White House and guarantees a military response to any attack by the U.S. or other states.