Iran has defended its strikes against its Gulf neighbors, telling CNBC that U.S. military assets located in surrounding territories were “legitimate” targets in its fight back against America and Israel.
But Gulf states told CNBC that the attacks have created a “huge trust gap” that will last for years to come.
Iran’s decision to attack its neighbors as part of its retaliation against U.S.-Israeli strikes has confused analysts and Tehran itself has sent mixed messages over its strategy, apologising for strikes against neighbors including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, before carrying out yet more strikes.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson in Tehran told CNBC on Monday that the Islamic Republic felt “no hostility” toward Gulf countries, but that U.S. military assets in the region were legitimate targets.
“We have said many times that we feel no hostility toward any country in the region, toward the UAE, Bahrain, you name it,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
