Iran said it will regard all US bases in central and western Asia as well as in the Indian Ocean as legitimate targets should US President Donald Trump attack the Islamic country.
In response to Trump’s latest threat of attacking the country, Iran called on United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres to exert all efforts to prevent armed hostilities.
Trump is reportedly weighing a limited strike against Iran to pressure it to accept US demands, which include stopping its nuclear program, reducing its missile arsenal, and stopping its alleged funding of armed groups in the region.
Various reports indicate US military buildup with fighter jets and tankers en route to Europe and Western Asia this week.
At the first meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington DC, Trump said of negotiations with the Islamic Republic: “We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen.”
Trump added the world will find out “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether the US will reach a deal with Iran or take military action.
Iran in its letter to the UN said the hostile statement from the President of the United States “should not be considered mere words.”
“Trump’s statements indicate a real possibility of military aggression, the consequences of which would be catastrophic for the region,” Iran warned.
It added Trump’s statement regarding the possibility of using US bases in Diego Garcia and Fairford cannot be considered mere rhetoric.
The Islamic Republic called on the Security Council to use its authority to immediately stop Washington from executing its threats.
“If we are subjected to military aggression, we will respond firmly and proportionately in accordance with our inherent right to self-defense,” it said.
Iran said Washington will bear full responsibility for any “unforeseen and out-of-control consequences,” it concluded. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
