Iran Accuses the U.S.: "U.S. Central Command Is Taking Part in Attacks Against Us"

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said this morning (Monday) that the U.S. is a full partner in all military actions attributed to Israel against Iran. "No one believes that the Zionist entity can operate in the region without full coordination with the U.S.," Baghaei said. "Washington's responsibility for violating the ceasefire is clear."

Baghaei added that, in his view, it is impossible to separate Israel's actions from those of the U.S., and that "the U.S. stands behind all the acts of aggression taking place, and it bears responsibility for the escalation and tension in the region." He continued: "We have information indicating that Central Command is participating in the defense of the Zionist entity, as well as in the attacks being carried out against us." The U.S., it should be noted, has stated that it is not directly involved in Israel's military actions against Iran.

Baghaei argued that the ceasefire agreement that was signed is also binding on the U.S. as a party to the agreement, and therefore any violation, whether by Israel or through direct actions by the American military such as attacking Iranian commercial ships, will be placed under Washington's direct responsibility. According to him, the events of the past 24 hours "have deepened the lack of trust even further," noting that "even until now, the exchange of messages has been conducted in an atmosphere of deep suspicion."

Beyond the Americans, the spokesperson also addressed countries in the region, especially those bordering the Strait of Hormuz. He warned them against cooperating with Israel and the U.S. and claimed that certain countries had allowed the use of their territory, resources, and sovereignty to carry out attacks against Iran: "Credibility is built on making a precise distinction between friend and enemy, not through threatening a Muslim country that is confronting Israel."

Baghaei strongly denied a report claiming that Iranian forces had struck Saudi territory. He called the report "false" and warned of foreign influence operations: "The Iranian armed forces openly report every target they strike. And in this case, no official statement was published by us." He added that in the past, and especially during previous confrontations, Israel and other actors had carried out false information operations, and that Iran does not intend "to fall into the trap."