Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says US attacks on two Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf that took place overnight on Saturday originated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and he warns that Iran will definitely respond.

Araghchi said on Saturday that the US military used populated areas in the UAE to fire on Kharg, an island that houses Iran`s oil‑export terminals, and on Abu Musa, a strategic island at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Last night they attacked Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island with the artillery‑rocket system HIMARS, which is a short‑range rocket system," he said.

"They launched these rockets from the soil of our neighbors. It is crystal clear they are using our neighbors` territory to attack us, and this is absolutely unacceptable."

The minister said Iranian military forces tracked the attacks, which he said came from Ras Al Khaimah and a location very close to Dubai.

Araghchi added that firing from densely populated areas is a very dangerous practice, and while Iran will definitely respond, it will exercise utmost caution to avoid striking residential buildings.

"What we are doing within the framework of legitimate defense is targeting American bases, facilities, assets and interests, which unfortunately are located in the territories of our neighbors," he said.

The attacks on Kharg and Abu Musa did not hit Iranian energy facilities but caused losses at military sites on the two islands.

Iran has previously responded to similar attacks and warned that if oil or electricity production facilities are targeted, it will launch massive strikes on all energy facilities in Persian Gulf countries where the United States has interests.