Iran has accused the United States and Israel of being the primary sources of instability in the Middle East, fueling already elevated tensions amidst military build-ups, diplomatic disputes, and fears of wider regional conflict.
Iran issued this statement Thursday following reports of increased U.S. naval activity in the Persian Gulf and Israeli airstrikes in Syria that Israel claims were targeted Iranian military infrastructure.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes that one of the main sources of insecurity in its region are illegal acts committed by the United States and aggressive policies employed by Zionist regime,” stated Nasser Kanaani, Foreign Ministry spokesperson. Their continued interference, occupation and disregard for sovereignty have caused conflict, extremism and instability throughout regional states.
Kanaani harshly condemned recent Israeli air raids that are said to have struck multiple targets near Damascus, killing six and injuring several more people, with Iran acknowledging two military advisors among the fatalities and promising “a decisive response at a time and place of our choosing”.
Israeli officials have not provided details on this operation but reiterated their longstanding position that Iran will not be permitted to establish itself militarily in Syria or anywhere near Israeli borders.
The United States Navy announced this week that it has deployed additional warships and surveillance aircraft to the Strait of Hormuz following what it characterized as Iran’s aggressive behavior, in order to safeguard international shipping lanes and prevent threats against commercial vessels. Washington stated this deployment is intended to safeguard global commerce as well as provide international peace and stability.
Iran sees this move as provocative. Kanaani noted, “U.S. military presence in the Middle East has led only to war, occupation and suffering for its population” while “their defense posture represents nothing more than strategic escalation”.
This diplomatic war of words takes place as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program remain stagnant with no sign of progress on either side. Talks between Tehran and Western powers, initially intended to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have all but collapsed. Both the U.S. and Israel allege that Iran continues uranium enrichment activities contrary to international agreements – something Tehran strongly denies.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reiterated the Foreign Ministry’s position earlier this week when speaking on national TV: regional peace is impossible under foreign occupation and daily aggression by Israel’s regime.
Middle East analysts warn of military activity, failed diplomacy and hostile rhetoric which are pushing the region ever closer to conflict. “We’re witnessing a pattern of countermeasure operations which could quickly spiral out of control,” noted Dr. Leila Mahdavi from Tehran’s University of Tehran who specialises in regional security studies.
The United Nations has issued a plea for restraint from all parties involved, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling upon parties to deescalate and resume diplomatic dialogue, emphasizing the need for stability in an already troubled region already plagued with war and humanitarian crises.
As tensions escalate, Iran has reiterated its determination to defend its sovereignty and warned of what it describes as the U.S. and Israel engaging in “further adventurism.”