【Is Iran Unconcerned About Losing Mediators After Attacking Oman and Qatar?】 When interviewed by Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was asked whether Iran might be worried about damaging relations with Oman and Qatar following its recent attacks on these two countries, especially since both nations serve as mediators in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Araghchi did not dodge the question. He acknowledged there could indeed be such risks, but emphasized that communication has already been established with all relevant parties—particularly with the foreign ministers of Qatar and Oman.
He stated that what happened in Oman was not Iran’s choice; instead, Iran only instructed its Revolutionary Guard to exercise caution when targeting specific objectives.
Araghchi revealed that Iranian diplomats have no authority to interfere in military operations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operates independently and autonomously, acting strictly according to pre-established directives.
However, Araghchi stressed that these military strikes were not aimed at neighboring countries like Oman or Qatar, but rather at American targets located within those nations. It is inevitable that some actions may affect countries providing bases for U.S. forces. Iran, he insisted, bears no responsibility for this—it is not Iran’s fault, because Iran itself is under attack.
He said Iran’s allies should not expect Iran to remain passive while the United States attacks, using their territory, facilities, and equipment, then demand silence from Iran. If they wish Iran to stop striking, they must go directly to the United States and exert pressure to end this act of aggression.
He hopes neighboring countries will understand that Iran is under attack, accept Iran’s position, and recognize that Iran’s actions are solely for self-defense.
This has been Iran’s strategic approach from the beginning: unable to strike the U.S. mainland, it can only target U.S. assets within reach of Iranian missiles and drones. If neighboring countries do not want to be caught in the crossfire of Iranian missiles, they should pressure the United States accordingly.
It’s a painful reality—but this is the only way Iran can defend itself.
Recent rounds of U.S. strikes have frequently launched from Gulf states, placing these countries directly in the line of fire from Iran. By deliberately escalating tensions between Iran and Oman, and dragging them into conflict, the U.S. aims to prevent these nations from remaining neutral observers in the war between Iran and America.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870866584193024/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.