Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the United States as the primary force behind escalating regional tensions, stressing that the Zionist regime operates in full coordination with Washington and bears no independent decision-making capacity in its attacks on Lebanon and Iran.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei declared that the Islamic Republic possesses clear information confirming deep US-Israeli coordination across both offensive and defensive military operations. “The United States cannot be separated from any development linked to the Zionist regime,” he affirmed.

Baghaei emphasized that Washington is directly responsible for the consequences of the current escalation. “Any action in the region—whether carried out directly by the US or through its proxy, the Israeli regime in Lebanon—makes Washington fully accountable,” he said. He noted that the US has actively supported the Zionist regime’s crimes by waging a war of aggression against Iran, further underscoring America’s central role in the conflict.

The spokesman pointed out that no credible observer in the region believes the Israeli regime would launch such provocative operations without prior coordination and backing from the United States. This coordination has been particularly evident in repeated violations of the April 8 ceasefire agreement, including Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs that caused civilian casualties and mass displacement in southern Lebanon and Dahiyeh.

In a measured yet resolute response to these aggressions, Iran launched legitimate defensive operations under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Late Sunday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) successfully targeted Ramat David airbase — identified as the launch point for Israeli attacks on Lebanon — with ballistic missiles. On Monday morning, the IRGC executed Operation Nasr (Victory), striking the Tel Nof and Nevatim airbases in direct retaliation to Israeli missile attacks on Iranian radar sites.

“These actions represent Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense,” the Foreign Ministry reiterated, warning that any further Zionist attacks on Lebanon or Iranian interests will trigger a broader and more decisive response.

Baghaei acknowledged that ongoing diplomatic exchanges with the US have been conducted under conditions of “severe suspicion” due to Washington’s contradictory positions and confusing statements.

“These 24-hour developments are further aggravating the situation and deepening mistrust,” he said, highlighting how US-backed Israeli violations undermine ceasefire efforts.

Despite these challenges, Iran remains committed to pursuing diplomacy in parallel with necessary defensive measures to protect its national interests and security. “Tehran will not allow the Israeli regime and the United States to repeatedly violate agreements while offering only empty statements about maintaining ceasefires,” Baghaei declared.

He stressed that all components of the Iranian system and society stand united and fully prepared for any scenario. “Where necessary, the Armed Forces will act,” he affirmed, sending a clear message of Iranian strength and readiness.

The developments come as the Islamic Republic continues to defend itself against an imposed US-Israeli war of aggression. Iran has consistently demonstrated strategic patience while safeguarding its sovereignty, the security of the region, and the rights of oppressed peoples against Israeli crimes. Tehran has made it clear: diplomacy remains open, but aggression will be met with strength. (ILKHA)