Iran urges Gulf states not to allow their territory to be used by US for aggression

Moscow - Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Wednesday that Gulf countries are responsible for preventing the United States from using their territory as a base for attacks against Iran. America’s strikes on Tuesday night constituted a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry, which strongly condemned the crime of US military aggression against Iran, once again reminded all countries in the region, particularly those on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, of their legal and moral responsibilities, the statement quoted by Press TV said. Iran asked those countries to prevent the use of their territory and facilities by the US or Israeli military to plan, organise, execute, or support aggression against Iran. The Iranian foreign ministry also stressed it would not hesitate to use its right to self-defence, including by attacking the sources of attacks, bases, and logistical facilities used to support military operations against Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on Tuesday night that American forces had completed strikes against Iran in retaliation for an attack on an American Apache helicopter. According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian air defence facilities, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump previously said the American AH-64 Apache helicopter that crashed off the coast of Oman was shot down by Iran. Washington then responded; both pilots of the helicopter were reported to have been rescued. CENTCOM subsequently announced the commencement of retaliatory strikes against Iran following the helicopter incident.