Tehran 16 March 2026 #1

16 March 2026

President Pezeshkian told his French counterpart that “attacks [against Iran] have been carried out using the territory of some Persian Gulf countries. Placing land and facilities at America’s disposal for brutal attacks against Iran conflicts with international law and the principle of good neighbourliness”. He added: “The Iranian nation, government and armed forces have never sought tension and conflict, but we have no hesitation in confronting aggressors and in the decisive and legitimate defense of our territorial integrity and national security”. Relatedly, in an open letter to neighbouring states, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council wrote: “Should Iran stand idly by so that it is attacked from U.S. bases on your countries? They… are making excuses; On one side of today’s battle are the U.S. and Israel, and on the other side stand the Islamic Iran and the resistance forces. Which side are you on?”. Ali Larijani added: “You know that the U.S. has no loyalty to you and Israel is your enemy”.