Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, on Monday said his country remains “steadfast” in its confrontation with the United States and Israel, while expressing disappointment over what he described as a lack of support from Muslim-majority countries. He urged these nations to choose a side in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel.
In a statement posted in Persian on X, Larijani told Muslim nations that “America has no loyalty.” He also stressed that Iran does not seek regional “hegemony” and instead called for unity among Muslim countries.
“You know full well that America has no loyalty, and that Israel is, in fact, your enemy,” he said. Larijani also criticised what he termed the silence of many Muslim countries regarding attacks on Iran, adding that some have even gone further by declaring Iran their adversary.
“Some nations have gone even further, declaring Iran to be their adversary simply because it targeted American bases and American and Israeli interests located within their territories,” he said.
Larijani argued that Iran cannot be expected to remain passive while US bases in neighbouring countries are allegedly used to launch attacks on Iranian targets.
“The confrontation today is essentially between America and Israel on one side, and Muslim Iran and the forces of resistance on the other. Which side are you on?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused certain neighbouring countries that host US forces of encouraging attacks on Iranian civilians and called for clear positions from regional governments.
His remarks came after a report by The New York Times claimed that Donald Trump has been in regular contact with Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, who was said to be backing the war. However, a Saudi source denied the report, according to Al Arabiya.
Since the conflict began, Iran has targeted locations in several Gulf countries. While Tehran maintains it has been striking only US-related assets, there have been reports of damage to residential areas, businesses, airports, desalination plants and other key infrastructure. (Agencies)
