Iran rejects claims of attacks on regional neighbors
Tehran denies targeting Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Oman, says strikes are limited to Israeli and US military sites
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Iran has denied carrying out attacks on several neighboring countries, even as regional governments report drone and missile incidents amid Tehran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel.
Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching a drone strike on its autonomous Nakhchivan exclave, saying two drones hit the airport terminal and landed near a school in Shakarabad village, injuring two civilians.
Baku summoned Iran’s ambassador and demanded an explanation.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the claim, saying Tehran “has not targeted the Republic of Azerbaijan” and does not attack neighboring states.
Tehran has also denied striking Turkiye, after Ankara said a ballistic missile fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace was intercepted by NATO systems.
Iran’s armed forces said no missiles were launched toward Turkish territory.
Similarly, Iran rejected reports of a strike on Oman after drones were intercepted over Dhofar Governorate.
Tehran described Oman as a “friend and neighbor” and denied any military action there.
Iranian officials have also denied targeting Saudi Arabia following reports of a fire near the Ras Tanura oil refinery, insisting that Tehran does not attack regional neighbors.
At the same time, Iran has openly acknowledged launching missile and drone strikes against Israel in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Tehran has also confirmed targeting U.S. military assets in Gulf countries hosting American bases, including Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran is “only defending ourselves and not attacking neighboring countries,” framing the strikes as limited to military sites involved in operations against Iran.
As the war expands, competing claims and cross-border incidents are heightening fears that the conflict could draw more countries directly into the confrontation.
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