Mar 19 • 10:38 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

'Terrorist acts': Iranian deputy minister unloads on US, Israel and Australia

An Iranian deputy foreign minister has condemned the US, Israel, and Australia for their actions in the Middle East, threatening that Australia's military assets could become targets.

In a recent interview with ABC News Australia, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the military involvement of the US, Israel, and Australia in the Middle East, labeling their actions as 'terrorist acts.' Baghaei's remarks follow Australia's deployment of military assets to the United Arab Emirates, including an E7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and personnel. He emphasized that Iran would not differentiate between offensive and defensive operations conducted by these nations, suggesting that their collective engagement could lead to escalating tensions in the region.

Baghaei voiced strong opposition to Australia's decision, stating that by siding with what he termed 'the aggressors,' Australia risks putting its military assets in the Gulf at risk. This warning reflects Iran's broader stance on foreign military involvement near its borders and raises concerns about the potential for conflict. He asserted that Iran maintains the right to self-defense against any perceived aggression, indicating a willingness to respond to threats against its sovereignty.

The implications of these statements reverberate beyond just diplomatic relations; they highlight the risks associated with military deployments in volatile regions. As global tensions rise, particularly regarding Iran's regional influence and the West's military presence, such conflicts could have far-reaching consequences for international security and Australian foreign policy. The tensions underscore the complexity of the situation in the Middle East and the potential for miscalculations leading to escalated violence.

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