Tehran, August 19 : Iran has warned countries across West Asia against providing assistance or facilities to the United States, saying any such support could be viewed as complicity with American military operations.
Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, issued the warning in a social media post on Wednesday and said Tehran was closely monitoring military movements throughout the region.
Abdollahi stressed that Iran does not seek confrontation with neighbouring countries but reiterated that any regional location used to launch attacks against Iran could be considered a legitimate target.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran has accused Washington and Tel Aviv of destabilising the region, while regional governments have expressed concerns about the possibility of the conflict spreading further.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected a UAE claim that Iran had fired a missile towards its territory. The UAE had earlier reported detecting two ballistic missiles launched from Iran.
Baghaei criticised the allegation as unfounded and said such accusations could damage efforts by regional countries to improve relations and reduce tensions. He urged neighbouring states to exercise restraint, particularly given what Tehran described as the continuing actions of the US and Israel.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said one of the missiles landed outside its territorial waters, while another fell within them. According to the UAE, the missiles were believed to have been directed at maritime traffic. No casualties or material damage were reported.
The UAE subsequently announced that it had suspended trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice. The country’s Foreign Ministry said the move followed a rise in regional tensions that it believes threatens peace and security.
Despite the escalation, the UAE reiterated its support for dialogue, cooperation and regional integration as key avenues toward restoring stability and promoting peace in West Asia.
