Video: Iran vows strikes on US, Israel bases while sparing neutral neighbours
Abdullateef Fowewe
Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi has stated that Tehran will continue targeting the United States and Israeli operations in the region but pledged no aggression against neighbouring countries that do not host them.
Speaking on Saturday, Shekarchi emphasised Iran’s restraint toward allies, “We tried to prevent our dear neighbouring countries and Muslim neighbours from being harmed, and ensured their national sovereignty would not be violated. We remain committed to this.”
He drew a clear line for potential targets, stating, “countries that do not provide space to America have not been held accountable. And every country that actually provides a location which the Americans and Zionists use against us, we are committed to our national sovereignty.”
Shekarchi affirmed that “countries which do not provide space will not be held accountable, will not face aggression or violence from the American regime, and will not face insecurity.”
He framed the stance as unified Muslim solidarity, “The security of all Muslim countries is the security of the Islamic Republic. We must work hand in hand against this violation.”
Echoing President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent directives, the general reiterated Iran’s resolve, “We have never backed down against America and the Zionist regime, no matter how powerful they may be. Until now, we have delivered crushing blows to them, and we will continue to do so.”
He closed with a call for regional unity, “countries that do not provide space and land to our enemy will not face any action from us. I hope these matters will in fact cause us, the countries of this region, to work hand in hand to drive out those Americans.”
The remarks come during March 2026 escalations, highlighting Iran’s dual messaging of defensive strikes against perceived threats from Kurdish opposition and Western allies, while avoiding direct confrontation with non-hostile neighbours.
