TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday denounced the deployment of the United States B-52 bombers to the Middle East as a “destabilising” move that, according to him, aggravates an already volatile regional situation.
Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei said that such actions would not deter Iran from protecting its security interests. “We have always believed that the presence of America in the region is a destabilising presence. It will not deter (Iran’s) resolve to defend itself”.
On Saturday, the US military announced that it had positioned B-52 bombers in the region as a precautionary measure aimed at Iran.
On October 26 Israeli airstrike targeted Iranian military installations, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of four soldiers and the destruction of several radar installations. The Israeli action was a response to Iran’s October 1 missile attack, which Tehran stated was in retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
Baghaei declared the US presence “destabilising” and vowed that Iran’s response to any further provocations would be “definite and decisive.”
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He also voiced support for peace efforts in Lebanon and Gaza, where Israel is engaged in active conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah forces.
While Israel has claimed that its strikes were intended to dismantle Iran’s missile production capabilities, Baghaei said that the facilities remain unaffected.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that Iran’s missile strength serves as a strong deterrent against any future attacks by Israel.
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s position on nuclear armament, saying it does not seek atomic weapons and remains committed to defensive measures alone. Citing a recent statement by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he added, “The Islamic republic will be equipped with everything necessary to defend itself.”
