Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that Tehran did not anticipate attacks originating from its southern neighbors. Qalibaf emphasized that such aggression forced Iran to defend itself, highlighting the critical role of regional security in current events. In an interview, Qalibaf said Iran acted after its territory faced assaults from foreign bases in nearby countries. He noted that the United States and Israeli forces launched attacks that escalated tensions and threatened Iran’s sovereignty. This situation underlines the urgent need for regional security as a shared responsibility among neighboring states.
Qalibaf criticized the reliance on foreign powers for protection, arguing that American military bases, intended to ensure security, instead facilitated attacks against Iran. He stated that Tehran’s response was necessary to safeguard the country’s borders and strategic interests. The speaker recalled that during the previous 12-day conflict, Iran avoided involving neighboring countries despite significant provocations. However, he stressed that the recent use of foreign soil against Iran justified direct countermeasures, reinforcing the importance of regional security.
He also highlighted that Iran possesses extensive missile and drone capabilities. These assets are domestically produced and allow rapid replenishment, ensuring Tehran maintains operational readiness. Qalibaf dismissed claims that Iran’s military capacity has been diminished. Regarding future diplomacy, Qalibaf proposed that regional nations themselves should secure their territories without foreign interference. He expressed willingness to negotiate long-term security agreements that could stabilize the region and reassure investors. According to him, effective regional security requires genuine cooperation and trust between neighboring countries.
Qalibaf underlined that any ceasefire would depend on visible remorse from aggressors. He rejected temporary pauses that could allow enemies to rebuild offensive capabilities. He stressed that Iran’s strategy aims to prevent future attacks by making previous aggressions unappealing to potential adversaries. The speaker also addressed recent political developments following the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Qalibaf remarked that Iran differs from Syria or Venezuela, asserting that the nation will not yield to external coercion. His comments reaffirm the country’s determination to maintain sovereignty and regional security.
Overall, Qalibaf’s statements reinforce Iran’s position on self-defense and proactive engagement with neighboring states. Experts suggest that these developments may reshape regional security dynamics and influence future diplomatic negotiations in the Persian Gulf. Regional security remains central to Tehran’s strategy, guiding both military responses and prospective agreements with neighboring countries. By prioritizing this approach, Iran signals its intent to maintain stability and deter future threats effectively.