Iran Warns of Wider War, Alleges US-Israel ‘False-Flag’ Plans

Teheran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the United States and Israel may try to expand the scope of the ongoing conflict by involving other countries or conducting “false flag operations”, according to Iranian media Press TV.

Araghchi’s words came during a telephone conversation with his Greek counterpart Georgios Gerapetritis. Araghchi warned that Washington and Tel Aviv could seek to expand “unprovoked aggression” against Iran by “forcing other countries to join the aggression or conduct false flag operations against third countries,” Press TV reported.

He also stressed that countries have legal obligations under international law to prevent their territory or resources from being used to plan or support acts of “aggression,” according to Press TV.

The Iranian minister further detailed the “crimes” committed by the United States and Israel last month, stating that the attacks “constitute a clear violation of Article 4 of the United Nations Charter and a clear case of military aggression against a UN member state.”

Araghchi called on all countries to condemn “unlawful attacks and violations of humanitarian law”, stating that “indifference to American and Israeli illegal and terrorist actions undermines the international normative and moral order, and its consequences affect all nations.”

Iran added that it would continue defensive operations against the alleged attackers, including targeting military bases and facilities in the region, according to Press TV.

The minister also attributed the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz to the ongoing conflict and stated that Iran was taking measures to prevent the use of the waterway by “aggressors” while ensuring the safe passage of other ships.

Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis expressed his concern about the escalating situation and expressed his hope for a rapid return to peace and stability in the region.

Earlier, a drone attack on the residence of Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday led to a blame game between the USA and Iran. While the USA claimed that the attack was carried out by Iranian-backed militias, Iran claimed that it was a US-Israeli assassination attempt.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) strongly condemned the targeting, calling it a “clear act of terrorism” and claiming the attack was carried out by the United States and Israel, according to Press TV.

However, according to the official statement from Chief Deputy Speaker Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, the US said the attack was carried out by “Iran’s terrorist militia proxies in Iraq.”