Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has criticized the stance of some neighboring countries during the recent US-Israeli aggression, saying those who invoke the message of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) should assess their own governments' conduct against Islamic principles. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei, in a post on X on Saturday in the Arabic language, stated that Iran is a nation with an ancient and rich civilization that embraced Islam and later became one of the main contributors to the development of Islamic civilization in fields ranging from jurisprudence and philosophy to medicine, mathematics, and literature. He emphasized that Islamic teachings determine superiority neither by speaking Arabic nor by geographical proximity to the birthplace of Islam, but by piety. He cited a verse from the Qur'an stating, 'Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Godwary among you.' (49:13). Baqaei further noted that no ruler has the right to claim represen tation of the 'Prophetic mission of Muhammad (PBUH)' solely based on being Arab or Arabic-speaking, asserting that such claims cannot substitute for adherence to the principles and teachings of Islam. The spokesperson highlighted Iran's consistent emphasis on good-neighborly relations and Islamic brotherhood, irrespective of political differences, including in its relations with 'a newly established government ruling over a territory separated from Iran.' Referring to Quranic verses and sayings attributed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Baqaei pointed out that Muslims should neither support nor align themselves with oppressors. He questioned whether cooperating with forces that have carried out military attacks against a Muslim country or hosting and supporting 'enemies of Muslims' was compatible with Islamic teachings on justice, neighborly relations, and solidarity among Muslim nations. Baqaei's remarks came in response to recent comments by Bahrain's ruler Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who had invoked Islamic t eachings to call on Iran to stop attacks on US-run bases in Bahrain. He had claimed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had brought spiritual, human, and intellectual enlightenment to Iran after "centuries of darkness," urging Tehran, 'at least in gratitude for that,' not to attack the kingdom. The US has been targeting southern Iranian provinces since early July after violating the terms of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Tehran has responded with repeated missile and drone attacks targeting US-operated military facilities across the region, including in Bahrain.