TEHRAN, August 24. /TASS/. Iranian authorities consider third countries where US troops are stationed to be parties to the conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said, noting that military facilities in these countries are becoming legitimate targets.

"The deployment of aggressors on the territory of another country is considered complicity in crimes against Iran. In accordance with international law, striking the source or starting point of any aggressive actions is Iran's legitimate right, and no leniency will be shown in defending the country's sovereignty," the Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. Baghaei also expressed hope that countries providing infrastructure to US troops will take "necessary measures."

The US and Israel went to war with Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, on July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the terms of the agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of liquefied natural gas are transported through the Strait.