Speaking at a weekly press conference on Tuesday, Baqaei dismissed a claim that the US has sent a message about a possible strike on Mount Kolang in Iran, asking rhetorically whether anyone expected Tehran to allow Washington to attack without retaliation.
“The era of hit-and-run attacks is over,” he said, adding that Iran has demonstrated in practice that it would respond to every strike “in equal measure, if not more forcefully.”
Commenting on Qatari officials’ remarks about the possibility of a third world war, Baqaei said Iran has endured eight months of an imposed war of aggression and has learned from past experience. He said Iran is prepared for any eventuality and must be ready in every respect to defend the country.
Reacting to the US secretary of state’s allegations against Iran, Baqaei said American people have expressed their views during “No Kings” rallies, opposing the use of US taxpayer money to fund an aggressive war serving the ambitions of a genocidal regime.
He also criticized US officials’ statements dismissing the value of international norms, calling them an example of Washington’s destructive approach to international peace and security.
On US relations with its allies and the war in Ukraine, Baqaei said Washington is experiencing confusion, having become involved in military aggression in the region and taken actions in Latin America that did not serve international peace and security.
Baqaei expressed hope that recent developments would prompt countries to recognize that aligning themselves with a state that disregards international norms could not guarantee their own security.
Baqaei also rejected allegations that Iran seeks to dominate the Strait of Hormuz or establish regional hegemony. He said Iran has deep historical roots in the region and has consistently pursued peace, adding that its determination to defend itself should not be mistaken for a desire to dominate others.
He finally urged the regional countries not to be swayed by claims from powers seeking to subjugate others through force.