Iran denies targeting Gulf states as Trump renews threat of military action

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected claims that Tehran deliberately targeted Gulf countries during the recent conflict, insisting that Iranian strikes were aimed at United States military bases and facilities in the region. Araghchi said some Iranian missiles might have deviated from their intended trajectories or gone out of control, but stressed that Iran had no intention of attacking neighbouring countries. He argued that the presence of American military bases had failed to guarantee the security of host countries, saying the facilities had proved incapable of protecting even themselves. The Iranian foreign minister urged Gulf states to use their influence to prevent the United States and Israel from launching another military campaign against Iran. He called on regional governments to work towards reducing tensions instead of supporting further confrontation. Araghchi said Tehran had no hostility towards its neighbours and welcomed diplomatic initiatives by Qatar, along with cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Oman. He also referred to discussions with officials from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, saying the talks had explored regional security arrangements based on cooperation among countries in the region rather than dependence on foreign military forces. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has renewed his warning to Iran, suggesting that Washington could launch further military action against Tehran. Speaking at a rally in Iowa ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, Trump said he had so far held back from taking further action because he wanted to avoid additional casualties. However, he warned that the United States might eventually have to use force against Iran, saying, 'At some point we're going to have to give them the hammer.' Separately, claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing the Trump administration to consider a nuclear strike against Iran have circulated in published commentary. The claims identify the alleged target as Pickax Mountain, a site said to contain underground nuclear facilities. However, no official confirmation has been provided that Washington is considering a nuclear attack or that such an option has been discussed by the administration. The allegations should therefore not be treated as established policy or confirmed military planning. Any use of nuclear weapons would carry potentially catastrophic consequences, including the risk of wider regional escalation and severe environmental and economic damage.