Iran slams US deployment of B-52 bombers as 'destabilizing'
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday criticized what he called the United States' "destabilizing presence" after the deployment of B-52 bombers in the region.
"We have always believed that the presence of America in the region is a destabilizing presence," said Baghaei told a news conference in response to a question about the deployment, adding that it "will not deter (Iran's) resolve to defend itself".
The US military announced on Saturday the deployment of B-52 bombers to the Middle East as a warning to Iran which has vowed to respond to Israeli strikes on its military sites on October 26.
Israel's attack was in retaliation for an October 1 Iranian missile barrage, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.
At least four soldiers were killed in the strikes which also caused "limited damage" to a few radar systems, officials said at the time. Iranian media also reported that a civilian was killed.
Baghaei said Iran's response would be "definite and decisive".
He added that Iran supported "all initiatives and efforts" to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is at war with the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah armed groups, respectively.
Israel said its October 26 attack targeted Iran's defense capabilities and missile production, but Tehran said its missile production remained intact.
On Monday, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran had missiles so Israel "wouldn't dare attack us".
During the news conference, Baghaei said Iran's official position against changing the nuclear doctrine and pursuing atomic weapons remained the same.
Citing a recent speech by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Baghaei said the Islamic republic would be "equipped with everything necessary to defend" itself.
04 November 2024, 14:15
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It is good for Lebanon and the prospect that Hezbollah will abide by and promptly implement 1701 and the Hochstein plan, that Iran has gotten the United States' message. The non-Shia world certainly hopes the Ayatollah understands that "stay down, dog" still allows for Iran to "defend itself" within its borders. If not, there is the matter of those pesky B-52s, the likes of which we should never, ever, ever choose to experience ... ... Time to get to "we surrender and do what must be done to make a lasting peace with our chosen enemies, promptly, however reluctantly it might feel".
04 November 2024, 20:29
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This heavy-handed approach further solidifies Iran’s view of the U.S. as an aggressor—a destabilizing force more interested in controlling the Middle East than in fostering peace. With this move, America shows itself less as a stabilizing power and more as an instigator, stoking tensions and preparing the stage for yet another cycle of bloodshed. If the U.S. truly valued peace and stability, it would abandon these aggressive tactics and engage in serious, sustained diplomatic efforts. Instead, it seems hell-bent on perpetuating conflict and ensuring its own influence, no matter the human cost.
