Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has stated that Gulf countries should avoid "borrowing security" from countries outside the region, criticizing the US military presence in the region.
In an interview with Iranian television Press TV, Baghaei said that the American military presence in the Persian Gulf constitutes, according to him, a factor of insecurity and not stability.
"The US military presence in the Persian Gulf is a burden and brings nothing but insecurity," he said, accusing Washington of using military assets and logistical support in countries in the region to "further carry out acts of aggression against Iran."
"We do not feel hostility towards any country in the region. The only reason we were forced to strike their territories was simply because we had to defend ourselves from an act of aggression by the US and Israel," Baghaei added.
The statements come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, while according to reports, the United Arab Emirates announced that at least 15 missiles and several drones launched by Iran have targeted its territory, including an oil facility in Fujairah.
