Iran is “not at war with regional countries,” but is at war with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state-run television. “We [i.e. Iran] are dealing with American soldiers stationed in these countries.

Even if US bases are not used against us, they are still a legitimate target for us. The American soldiers’ escape to hotels will not save them from being hit,” Araghchi said.

And regarding the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian FM noted that it was a “religious crime” that will have consequences. “In my opinion, they [i.e. the US] did not realize what they had done and what protests and consequences it would cause,” Araghchi added.