Iran Warns European States Hosting U.S. Forces Would Be Treated as Aggressors

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned European governments that providing bases or territory to what he called an aggressor would place them among the aggressors. He issued the warning after meeting 25 European ambassadors and chargés d'affaires to present Tehran's position on the renewed U.S.-Iran fighting. Gharibabadi said Iran would firmly defend its territory and national interests, and urged Europe to uphold the UN Charter and condemn the military action. He praised Spain's position and said Europe should drive diplomacy rather than follow the attacking force.