Iran vows stronger Muslim ties, warns US over regional targets

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday outlined Tehran's ambition to strengthen political and economic bonds with Muslim nations, particularly neighboring states, while defending recent military actions against US targets as legitimate self-defense that deliberately avoids Muslim countries.

Relations with Egypt and Lebanon

Addressing participants at the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran sees no grounds for disagreement with Cairo and stands ready to restore diplomatic ties whenever Egyptian leaders decide to move forward. "We seek good relations with Egypt," he said. "Whenever our friends in Egypt reach a decision and are ready to restore relations, we will also be ready."

Regarding Lebanon, the foreign minister expressed readiness to develop ties with the government and all political factions, though he noted disapproval of certain policies pursued by Beirut's leadership. He expressed hope that Lebanon's Foreign Ministry would demonstrate "greater rationality" in its approach, without elaborating on specific grievances.

Economic and African partnerships

Beyond the immediate neighborhood, Araghchi urged expanding Iran's traditionally robust relations with African countries, framing the broader diplomatic push within a strategy of Islamic unity. "We want good relations with all Islamic countries, especially neighboring countries," he stated. "We seek broader economic relations with all Islamic countries, and, thank God, we have extensive relations with all of them."

Warnings over US regional presence

Turning to regional security, Araghchi asserted that Iran had targeted US positions in surrounding countries solely in response to American attacks, insisting that Tehran has never struck Muslim countries or neighbors. He recalled that Tehran previously informed regional capitals that US bases and assets on their soil would face Iranian retaliation if Washington launched attacks against the Islamic Republic.

"Our fighters will strike any American target in the region during wartime, whether it is a US base, an American facility or a gathering point for their forces," Araghchi said, describing US and Israeli strikes as "illegitimate aggression" while characterizing Iran's response as "legitimate self-defense."

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high since hostilities began with strikes on Iran in late February, prompting Iranian retaliation against US military positions in Arab countries aligned with Washington. Iran and the US signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding in Islamabad on June 18 following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, though implementation has faltered. The US resumed military attacks on Iran in July, triggering further Iranian retaliatory strikes.