Iran has characterized the recent United States airstrikes conducted within Iraq and Syria as a “strategic error” that is poised to exacerbate the already heightened tensions and instability in the Middle East, especially amid Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Following a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers, US forces initiated a series of airstrikes against Iranian-backed fighters in Iraq and Syria on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, condemned the US attacks as a “violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria, international law, and a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.”
The statement further asserted that such attacks only serve to advance the objectives of the Zionist regime, referring to Israel. It emphasized that these actions further entangle the US government in the region and divert attention from the actions of the Zionist regime in Gaza.
Highlighting the potential threat to regional and international peace and security, the statement called upon the United Nations Security Council and the international community to take measures to prevent the escalation of the crisis.
Iran’s statement underscored that the roots of tension and crisis in the region stem from the Israeli regime’s occupation and its ongoing military operations in Gaza, resulting in the genocide of Palestinians with unwavering support from the US.
“The return of stability and security to the region cannot be envisioned without addressing the root cause of the crisis and seeking its resolution,” the statement emphasized.
For decades, the US has maintained military bases throughout the Middle East, with approximately 30,000 troops deployed across the region. Moreover, since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October, the US has deployed thousands of additional troops to the region, including aboard warships.
The US airstrikes conducted on Friday seemed to avoid directly targeting Iran or senior leaders of the Iranian army within Iran’s borders. Iran has refuted any involvement in the attack in Jordan.