In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Larijani said many Muslim nations had refrained from openly backing Iran after it came under attack.

He said some countries had even labelled Iran an adversary because Tehran targeted American bases or US and Israeli interests located on their territories.

According to Larijani, Iran’s military actions are directed primarily at American interests and military installations in the region.

However, various reports have suggested that Iranian drone and missile strikes have also caused damage to some civilian locations, hotels and energy infrastructure in parts of the Gulf region.

Larijani argued that Iran could not remain silent while US military bases in neighbouring countries were being used to launch attacks against it.

In his remarks, he described the conflict as a broader confrontation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran, along with what he called the “resistance front” on the other.

He also urged Muslim countries to clarify where they stand in the conflict and stressed the need for unity within the Muslim world.

Larijani added that Iran was not seeking dominance in the region but was defending its sovereignty and national interests.