Iran Denies Missile Attacks on Turkey, Accuses US of False Flags
In an exclusive interview with IHA, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that Iran launched missiles at Turkey, according to a report by Türkiye Today. Baghaei accused Washington of deliberately striking a girls’ school in the Iranian city of Minab with two Tomahawk missiles, resulting in 175 child casualties and urged Ankara and regional countries to view the conflict as a “war against their shared identity and civilization.”
Claims of Attacks are “Lies”
“Claims that Iran fired missiles at Turkey or Azerbaijan are lies,” Baghaei stated. He further asserted that Iranian armed forces are precise in target selection, focusing solely on US military bases and facilities used to attack Iran.
Right to Self-Defense
Baghaei invoked Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, asserting Iran’s natural right to self-defense. He emphasized that Tehran has no intention of attacking neighboring countries, stating, “Our defensive actions are directed solely at the sources and launch points of military attacks against Iran.”
Investigation Promised
The spokesperson indicated that any projectiles alleged to have been fired from Iran towards Turkey would be thoroughly investigated. “Iran has never had and does not intend to undertake such an operation against Turkey,” he affirmed.
Strong Bilateral Ties
Baghaei highlighted the security of the Iran-Turkey border, describing it as one of the safest zones between the two countries. He emphasized the strong religious, historical, and cultural connections between Iran and Turkey, pointing to the frequent travel of Iranian citizens to Turkey as evidence of these close ties.
Coordinated Action Needed
Baghaei expressed hope for coordinated action between Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and the local government in Iraqi Kurdistan to prevent the US and Israel from exploiting the situation to destabilize the border region shared by the three countries. He also warned against the possibility of “false flag operations” designed to provoke conflict between Iran and its neighbors.
NATO Interceptions
Reports indicate that three missiles have been launched towards Turkey since the start of the recent conflict in the Middle East. In all three instances, the missiles were intercepted by NATO’s air defense systems.
Escalating Tensions and Regional Implications
The exchange of accusations and the reported missile interceptions underscore the escalating tensions in the region. While Iran denies direct involvement in attacks on Turkey, the situation raises concerns about potential miscalculations and unintended consequences. The accusation leveled against the US regarding the strike in Minab adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The Risk of Proxy Conflicts
The possibility of “false flag operations,” as warned by Baghaei, highlights the risk of proxy conflicts and the deliberate manipulation of events to escalate tensions. This tactic, if employed, could draw regional actors into a wider conflict with devastating consequences.
FAQ
Q: Has Iran officially confirmed the interception of missiles by NATO?
A: The provided sources do not contain confirmation from Iran regarding the interception of missiles by NATO, only reports of the interceptions themselves.
Q: What is Article 51 of the UN Charter?
A: Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations.
Q: What is Iran’s stance on attacking neighboring countries?
A: According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Iran has no intention of attacking neighboring countries.
Q: What is the significance of the Minab strike mentioned by Baghaei?
A: Baghaei alleges that the US deliberately struck a girls’ school in Minab with Tomahawk missiles, resulting in significant casualties. He frames this as a provocation and a reason for regional countries to unite against perceived aggression.
Did you know? The Iran-Turkey border stretches over 560 kilometers and is a crucial trade route for both countries.
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