According to a report by NBC News, on Thursday Match 5, 2026, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a firm defense of Iran’s recent military actions, clarifying that the strikes were directed exclusively at American interests rather than Iran’s Islamic neighbors.
The statement comes in response to growing criticism regarding military escalations during the holy month of Ramadan, with many questioning why regional neighbors most of whom share a common faith have found themselves caught in the crossfire.
Araghchi pushed back against the narrative that Iran is targeting neighboring Muslim nations.
He asserted that the presence of U.S. military infrastructure on regional soil is the primary cause for the proximity of the strikes.
“Please don’t mistake, we have not attacked our neighbors. We have not attacked the muslim countries. We have attacked american targets and american bases, american installations which are unfortunately located in the soils of our neighbors.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized that the objective of the Iranian military is specifically the “American presence” in the region, though he acknowledged the unfortunate reality of unintended consequences.
Addressing the reports of destruction and casualties in neighboring territories, Araghchi categorized these incidents as an inevitable byproduct of conflict, while shifting the moral and legal burden toward Washington.
“Well, no, we have targeted where americans are, maybe there have been some collateral damages as it is in every war. This is a war of choice by the united states, and they should have they should be held responsible for all those damages.” See more