Iran Rejects US Attack Claims, Accuses Washington of Escalating Tensions

Published : Jan 18, 2026, 05:00 PM IST
Iran’s Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Esmaeil Baghaei (Image: X@IRIMFA_EN)

Synopsis

Iran has rejected US allegations that it is preparing attacks on American bases, accusing Washington of 'fueling tensions' in West Asia. Tehran warned it would respond 'firmly and decisively' to any aggression against its sovereignty.

Iran has rejected US allegations that it is preparing attacks on American facilities, alleging that Washington is attempting to escalate tensions in West Asia, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Saturday after the US State Department, in a Persian-language post on X, claimed it had received reports indicating Iran was working on options to target American bases.

"These statements and claims are in line with the United States' ongoing policy of fueling tensions in the region," Baghaei said, as cited by the state broadcaster.

Baghaei also said the Iranian Armed Forces remain focused on preserving and boosting the country's military and defensive capabilities to safeguard Iran's sovereignty.

He further warned Iran would respond "firmly and decisively" to any act of aggression, Press TV reported.

In its post, the US State Department claimed that "all options remain on the table" and that any attack on US assets would be met with "very, very strong force."

Iran Blames Foreign Powers for Domestic Unrest

Press TV also reported that protests which began late last month over economic concerns across Iran later turned violent, with vandalism and disorder encouraged through public statements by US and Israeli figures.

It added that during the unrest, foreign-backed mercenaries attacked cities, resulting in the deaths of security personnel and civilians, along with damage to public property.

The US president has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, Press TV reported.

On Saturday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran considers Trump the main culprit for the killings and destruction in the riots. He said some agents behind the unrest included individuals who were identified, trained and largely recruited by American and Israeli agencies.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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