Iran defends its actions and denies US assassination plot amid Middle East escalation

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said there was no discussion of an assassination attempt on U.S. President Donald Trump during Tehran‑Washington talks, calling the allegation "cynical" and accusing Western protests of "flagrant cynicism." He stressed that Iran does not attack the United States but is exercising its right to legitimate self‑defence after what Tehran describes as unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel since February.

Baghaei also rejected a United Nations statement that labeled the situation a "military confrontation," asserting that Iran’s missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and a Patriot system in Kuwait are lawful defensive measures. He urged regional countries to prevent their territories from being used to attack Iran, called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened, and demanded the resumption of negotiations.