Istanbul: An Iranian official declared Saturday that all American and Israeli bases in the region are considered 'legitimate targets' for Iran and emphasized that the country has 'no red lines' in 'defending its national interests.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran's Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, made the announcement on the US social media platform X. Azizi stated, "All Israeli and American bases in the region are legitimate targets for us in this war. Iran has no red lines when it comes to defending its national interests. The battle continues."

The Hatemul Enbiya Central Headquarters, affiliated with Iran's Armed Forces, reiterated the sentiments expressed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, stating that they will not attack neighboring countries unless provoked. The headquarters affirmed that the Armed Forces respect the sovereignty and interests of neighboring nations and will not initiate attacks on them.

However, the statement added that as a continuation of previous offensive actions, all military bases and assets of the United States and Israel, referred to as the "criminal America" and "fake Zionist regime," will be targeted by Iran's Armed Forces. These forces are prepared to strike with severe measures on land, sea, and air within the region.

Previously, President Pezeshkian announced that the Interim Leadership Council decided there would be no missile strikes or attacks against neighboring countries unless Iran is attacked first. Major General Abulfazl Shikarci, spokesperson for the Iranian General Staff, clarified that areas not providing facilities or access to the US and Israel have not been and will not be targeted. He added that strikes against the US and the Zionist regime will persist.

Tensions in the Middle East have heightened since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,000 casualties, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials. Iran has responded with extensive attacks targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as multiple Israeli cities.