Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Saturday that facilities in the region used to initiate attacks against Iran are seen as 'legitimate targets' for Iranian defensive actions amid ongoing US-Israeli assaults. Pezeshkian expressed this stance on the US social media platform X.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's commitment to maintaining friendly relations with regional governments based on good neighborliness and mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, he asserted that this commitment does not undermine Iran's right to self-defense against military aggression by the United States and Israel, referred to as the Zionist regime.

Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's resolve to defend its nation, indicating that Iran's defensive operations are solely aimed at 'targets and facilities that are the origin and source of aggressive actions against the Iranian nation.' These are considered 'legitimate targets' by Iran. He clarified that Iran had not attacked friendly neighboring countries and instead focused on American military bases, facilities, and installations in the region.

Earlier statements by Pezeshkian highlighted that Iran would refrain from attacking neighboring states unless provoked by attacks originating from their territories, as reported by state-run Press TV. He extended apologies to neighboring countries amidst escalating regional tensions, assuring that Iran has no intention of invading other countries.

On February 28, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These attacks resulted in casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential areas. Tehran has stated that these actions were in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of individuals, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.