Have to damage these bases so they cannot attack - Representative of Iran s Supreme Leader clarifies strikes on Gulf nations

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, spoke on Saturday about Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations during the ongoing West Asia conflict. He stated that these strikes target US-supported military bases used against Iran and are necessary for the country’s self-defense. In an interview with ANI, Ilahi mentioned that Iran has a long history in the region and must respond to threats coming from foreign bases. He noted that the United States has set up between 33 and 45 military bases near Iran and expressed that Iran had requested its neighbors not to permit these bases to be used against them. However, he claimed that attacks have persisted. Ilahi emphasized, "We have lived in this region for over ten thousand, twenty thousand, or even a million years. We were here long before America existed. America is over six thousand miles away from Iran. It cannot attack us from places like New York, Washington, or California. For an attack, America needs bases near us. There are 33 bases established by America, and I heard from some American senators that the number could be as high as 45." He continued to explain that Iran had warned neighboring countries before the conflict began not to allow American bases to be used against them. Those countries assured Iran that they would not permit this, but unfortunately, it has happened. Ilahi also alleged that missiles that hit a Primary Girls’ School in Minab, resulting in the deaths of over 180 people, including schoolgirls, originated from Bahrain. CNN had previously reported that the US accidentally hit the school based on outdated information. When asked about civilian casualties, including those involving Indian nationals, Ilahi recognized the loss of innocent lives but stated that the blame lies with those who started the war. He said, "The war is unfair. They started it. To the world, I ask: why do leaders criticize the war? They should question the aggressors about why they initiated it and caused suffering for many."