Iran says restraint impossible amid ongoing US, Israeli aggression

In an interview with Sky News, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Baghaei said Iran cannot be expected to exercise restraint unless Washington and Tel Aviv halt their military actions against the country.

He described the situation as a combination of “aggression and terrorism,” accusing the two countries of targeting senior officials and key figures in Iran. Baghaei emphasized that such actions leave no room for expectations of restraint from a nation defending itself.

“The violence must stop,” he said, adding that Iran has suffered significant casualties across the country. He argued that it is unreasonable to expect restraint from a state responding to what he called “brutal aggression” by adversaries who, in his words, show no limits in their actions.

Baghaei further stressed that extending conciliatory gestures under such conditions would be unrealistic, warning that Iran’s response is rooted in self-defense.

Referring to reported civilian casualties early in the conflict, including deaths at a school in Minab, he said Iran did not initiate the war and has avoided targeting civilian sites such as schools and hospitals. However, he reiterated that any attack on Iranian infrastructure would be met with strikes against US-linked bases and facilities.

The spokesman maintained that the United States and Israel bear responsibility for the escalation, casualties, and instability in the region. He added that expecting restraint from Iran effectively means asking it to cease its defensive response.

Baghaei also criticized the role of regional dynamics, claiming that Israel seeks to prolong instability and conflict in the Middle East. He expressed concern over reported US operations conducted from neighboring countries, calling such actions a violation of international law and good neighborly relations.

He urged countries in the Persian Gulf region not to allow their territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran.

Addressing the possibility of further escalation, including a potential ground conflict involving the United States, Baghaei said Iran is prepared for all scenarios. While emphasizing that Iran does not seek war, he said the country would defend itself with full force if necessary.