TEHRAN
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied that Tehran deliberately targeted Gulf countries during the recent conflict, saying its strikes were directed at US military bases and assets in the region.
In an interview with Al Jazeera aired on Sunday, Araghchi said some Iranian missiles may have deviated from their intended course or gone out of control, but insisted Iran had no intention of attacking friendly countries.
He said regional states had come to realise that hosting US military bases did not guarantee their security, arguing that the bases had proved unable to protect even themselves.
Araghchi urged Gulf countries to discourage Washington and Israel from launching another war against Iran, saying they should work to reduce tensions rather than encourage military confrontation. He also called on Tehran’s neighbours to use their influence to prevent a fresh conflict.
Araghchi also said recent discussions with Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials had explored new regional security arrangements based on cooperation among countries in the region rather than reliance on foreign military forces.
He said Iran had no hostility towards its neighbours and welcomed Qatar’s mediation efforts, as well as cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
