News - Middle East: Iran will respond strongly to any country that takes action in support of the Zionist regime following the Iranian retaliation against the regime, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says.

“We will respond strongly to any third party that enters [the conflict] in support of the Zionist regime. And if the Zionist regime decides to respond, our second response will be even harsher,” he said on Wednesday.

“Anyone who provides their space to their enemies is considered suspicious by us.”

The Iranian minister congratulated the brave and bold actions of the armed forces and their appropriate response to the Zionist regime’s barbarism, describing the operation as an act of self-defense.

“Iran only exercised its right to self-defense; a right that exists for all countries under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Our actions were purely defensive and in response to the terrorist actions of the Zionist regime.”

The Iranian minister said available footage shows Iran has achieved its objectives in the operation, which solely targeted military sites.

“The action taken last night and the available images clearly show that we achieved our objectives, which were entirely military. We did not target any civilian objectives, which is part of our principles and values.”

“Unlike the Zionist regime, which has made attacking cities and innocent people a habit, we do not engage in such behavior. Last night, we only targeted military and security objectives, and our action was highly successful."

Araghchi said he has discussed the matter with various foreign ministers, and that Iran also sent a message to the Swiss embassy after the attack, warning that Americans should not get involved in the issue.

Iran launched Operation True Promise II late on Tuesday in retaliation for the regime’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and also Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Tehran said around 90 percent of the missiles hit their targets in the Israeli-occupied territories, including three military bases and one security site.

Press TV