Key facts
- Iran's top negotiator stated U.S. bases and Israeli assets are legitimate targets.
- The threat follows Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.
- Iran's negotiator cited the U.S. naval blockade and approval of Israeli attacks as reasons.
- Lebanese President Aoun previously accused Iran of exploiting Lebanon and called for Hezbollah disarmament.
Iran's top negotiator and Parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, issued a stern warning, stating that U.S. naval blockades and its approval of Israeli attacks in Lebanon render U.S. bases and Israeli assets in the Middle East legitimate targets. These remarks were made in response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon. Qalibaf suggested that such actions indicate that the U.S. and Israel only comprehend the language of power. This escalation follows Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's recent accusations that Iran is exploiting Lebanon and his calls for direct peace talks with Israel and the disarmament of Hezbollah.