US, Israel be held accountable by int'l community for what they started, says Iran

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei accused the US and Israel of initiating the West Asia conflict, which he said has disrupted global supply chains and forced Iran to take measures to protect its security. In an interview with India Today, Baghaei stated that the US and Israel must be held accountable by the international community for their actions, which he described as unlawful aggression. Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz were necessary to prevent attacks by US and Israeli forces using Persian Gulf states as launching points. He noted that before February 28, the Strait of Hormuz was open to all countries, but Iran was compelled to respond after facing aggression. The spokesperson insisted Iran’s measures were legal under international law, framing them as defensive actions against ongoing threats. The conflict has had global economic repercussions, including impacts on India, which Baghaei acknowledged as unfortunate but a direct consequence of US and Israeli actions. Iran, as a coastal state, relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for trade and security, he said, adding that the US and Israel’s aggression has destabilized the region. Baghaei also criticized the US justification for its attacks on Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program as a pretext for aggression. He reiterated that Iran seeks security and safety in the Strait of Hormuz but that the US and Israel’s actions have inflicted economic harm worldwide. The interview took place in Tehran, where Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s stance that the US and Israel bear responsibility for the conflict’s continuation and its broader consequences.