Iran security chief criticises countries hosting US bases, defends strikes on regional targets
Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani sharply criticised Muslim countries – particularly Gulf states – for failing to support Tehran during its conflict with the United States and Israel, accusing them of remaining silent despite what he called “deceitful aggression” against Iran.
In a message addressed to Muslims worldwide and the governments of Islamic countries, Larijani said Iran came under attack during negotiations in what he described as an attempt by Washington and Israel to dismantle the country.
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Full Message from Iranian Secretary of National Security Ali Larijani to Muslims:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
To Muslims worldwide and the governments of Islamic countries:
1. Iran faced a deceitful U.S.-Israeli aggression during… pic.twitter.com/0bI0c59Sc1
— Iran 24 (@IRAN_HD24) March 17, 2026
He said the assault killed senior leaders, civilians and military commanders but added that Iran responded with “strong national and Islamic resistance from the Iranian people”.
Larijani said that, aside from limited political statements, Islamic countries had not stood by Iran during the conflict, leaving Tehran to face the war alone. He claimed Iran’s resistance had pushed its adversaries into a “strategic deadlock”.
He directly criticised Muslim governments for failing to respond to Iran’s calls, quoting a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“Some Islamic governments act contrary to the Prophet’s saying: ‘Whoever hears a man calling, ‘O Muslims,’ and does not respond, is not a Muslim.’ What kind of Islam is this?” he said.
The Iranian official also targeted Gulf and regional countries hosting American military facilities, rejecting objections raised by those governments after Iran struck US and Israeli-linked interests on their soil.
Read: US bases in Gulf legit targets: Iran’s envoy
“Should Iran remain idle while US bases in your countries are used to attack it? These are flimsy excuses,” he said.
Larijani framed the conflict as a broader regional confrontation, saying: “The confrontation today is between America and Israel on one side and Iran and the resistance forces on the other. Which side are you on?”
He urged regional governments to reconsider their alliances, warning that the United States was unreliable and describing Israel as an enemy of the Muslim world.
“Iran advises you sincerely and does not seek to dominate you,” he said, while calling for unity within the Islamic world and urging countries to reflect on the region’s future.
