Tehran, 10 March (H.S.): Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi asserted Tuesday that Tehran's military operations constitute purely defensive measures, targeting solely U.S. bases launching assaults on Iran, with no intent to harm neighboring states or American civilians.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran's priority remains neutralizing campaigns orchestrated from American installations across West Asia, while professing respect for regional sovereignties and bilateral ties. He cautioned, however, that should any nation's territory or airspace facilitate attacks on Iran, U.S. facilities therein could become legitimate targets.

In a post on X, he clarified Tehran's aversion to injuring ordinary Americans, claiming most U.S. citizens oppose costly foreign entanglements.The minister attributed surging oil prices, exorbitant debt, and economic strains to Israel and certain Washington allies, lambasting prior U.S. actions as Operation Epic Mistake.

He affirmed Iran's readiness to repel threats to its oil and nuclear sites, amid reports of over 1,255 deaths—mostly civilians, including 200 children—from U.S.-Israeli strikes, alongside damage to 29 medical facilities and widespread infrastructure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar