Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has publicly blamed the United States for recent military strikes that occurred near civilian-populated areas in Gulf nations. In an interview with Arab television, Araqchi stated that the attacks targeted locations associated with U.S. forces or their installations, and in some cases, these sites were situated close to residential zones.
Araqchi explained that the movement of American military personnel from bases toward civilian areas, including hotels, increased the risk of strikes affecting non-military zones. He emphasized that while the operations were aimed at U.S. forces and infrastructure, some locations inadvertently situated near civilian populations were also impacted.
“The targets were wherever U.S. troops or their installations were present,” Araqchi said, adding that some of the targeted areas were indeed near populated zones. He highlighted that these strikes have caused damage and distress to the countries of the region and their civilian populations.
The Iranian official further stated that the responsibility for initiating the conflict on February 28 rests entirely with the United States. According to Araqchi, the subsequent attacks near Gulf civilian areas are directly linked to U.S. actions and their deployment patterns, making Washington accountable for the resulting regional tensions and human impact.
These remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, where both U.S. and regional military presence has been significant. Iran’s assertion frames the issue as one of American operational responsibility, holding the U.S. accountable for the collateral impact on civilians in neighboring countries.
Araqchi’s comments underscore Tehran’s position that while Iran targets military installations, the presence and movement of foreign troops into densely populated areas increases risks to civilians, raising questions about the proportionality and responsibility of military deployments.
The statement is likely to further complicate diplomatic relations between Iran, the United States, and Gulf nations, as regional governments assess security implications for their territories and civilian populations. It also reflects ongoing concerns about escalation in conflict zones and the potential humanitarian consequences of military engagements near civilian infrastructure.
Iran continues to assert that U.S. military maneuvers are the primary catalyst for recent violence in the region, framing the issue as both a matter of national security and accountability to the international community regarding civilian safety.
By publicly attributing responsibility to the United States, Iran signals both a political and strategic stance, emphasizing that any repercussions from attacks near civilian zones fall under Washington’s purview due to its operational decisions in the region.
The statements by Abbas Araqchi have already drawn attention from international media and diplomatic observers, who note that the rhetoric could influence ongoing negotiations, regional alliances, and the broader discourse on military accountability in conflict-affected areas.
In summary, Iran holds the United States fully responsible for attacks near civilian areas in Gulf countries, citing the positioning and movements of American forces as the direct cause of such incidents, while stressing the resulting impact on local populations and regional stability.
