Iran: US military presence in the region is a threat, not a source of security

According to Saednews, In an interview with the American digital outlet VICE News, Baqaei stated that Iran has made it clear it holds no hostility toward any country in the region and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others, while reserving its right to self-defense.

He said that Iran’s strikes on American and Israeli interests in several Persian Gulf Arab states, carried out during what he described as an imposed conflict, should not be seen as retaliation but as an exercise of legitimate self-defense.

Commenting on Pakistan’s mediation efforts to restart talks between Iran and the United States, Baqaei said Tehran is not seeking concessions but rather the fulfillment of its rights.

He added that Iran’s demands include an end to what he called “criminal actions” by the United States against the Iranian people, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. He also called for an end to what he described as a “naval blockade,” which he said violates international law.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei emphasized that Iran is committed to ensuring its security and is prepared to cooperate with Oman and international organizations to guarantee safe maritime passage while preventing abuse by hostile actors.

He further claimed that U.S. military use of bases in some Persian Gulf countries to launch attacks against Iran has disrupted free trade in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and beyond.

Addressing regional military dynamics, he said Iran had no intention of widening the conflict and had shown maximum restraint, but was forced to respond when the use of regional bases and logistical facilities against it reached an extreme level.

Baqaei warned that if escalation occurs again in the future, it may become uncontrollable, adding that war spreads like fire if not extinguished.