Iran says countries aiding US aggression will be held accountable

In a post on his X account late on Thursday, Esmaeil Baghaei, a senior Iranian diplomat, responded to reports that some countries might yield to US pressure to intervene in regional developments and the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote, “A sparrow that tries to fly after a stork will eventually break its legs (Korean proverb). Any direct or indirect involvement in acts of aggression or in inhumane economic terrorism against Iran - including the deployment of naval forces, military and logistical support equipment, and personnel - will be regarded as a hostile and unlawful act amounting to participation in the US aggression against Iran.”

Baghaei stated that such actions not only violate Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations but also fall within the definition of an act of aggression set out in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314. He added, “Invoking seemingly legitimate pretexts such as 'protecting freedom of navigation' or 'countering piracy' does not alter the unlawful and hostile nature of such actions.”

He emphasized, “Our message is unequivocal: No bilateral agreement or commitment with the United States can constitute legitimate grounds for violating a state’s obligations under international law or for participating in the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.” Baghaei reiterated that any state that may participate in such unlawful aggressions, in whatever form, shall bear full responsibility for the resulting repercussions.

According to Mehr News, the remarks come amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear facilities and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage. The report did not specify which countries were reportedly considering involvement.