Tehran: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has stated that Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz are defensive, in response to the ongoing military aggression from the United States and Israel. Baqaei addressed reporters, suggesting that the term 'war of tankers' may not accurately describe the situation in the region.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei explained that since February 28, Iran has been countering military aggression from the United States and the Zionist regime. He emphasized that the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf is a result of US-Israeli actions, not Iran's. Baqaei described various forms the situation has taken, including a naval blockade, and reiterated that it was the United States that first attacked vessels within Iranian waters and on the high seas.

Baqaei condemned attacks on commercial vessels as contrary to international law, labeling them as terrorist acts. He criticized the US Secretary of Defense's pride in such operations, calling it an acknowledgment of war crimes against commercial vessels. Baqaei stressed that as long as the US economic war and naval blockade persist, Iran maintains its legal and operational rights to self-defense.

Responding to questions about threats from Israeli officials toward regional countries, Baqaei pointed out the Zionist regime's ambitions of regional dominance and humiliation of neighboring countries. He noted that such threats are not new and highlighted the regime's expansionist mindset. Baqaei urged regional countries to remain cautious and not embolden the primary threat to peace and security.