Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister was speaking at a Baghdad news conference along with the Foreign Minister of Iraq, Mohammed al-Hakim, as he said that Iran will defend itself against any military or economic aggression, urging the European states to make bigger efforts to preserve a nuclear agreement signed by Iran.
Zarif also proposed signing a non-aggression pact with Iran’s neighbors.
‘’We will defend against any war efforts against Iran, whether it be an economic war or a military one, and we will face these efforts with strength,’’ said Zarif.
Tensions have increased between the U.S. and Iran after the attack on oil tankers in the Gulf region. Washington, a firm backer of Tehran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia, has blamed the attacks on Iran, while the Iranian government has distanced from the bombings. After that, the U.S. sent an aircraft carrier and more than 1500 troops to the region raising speculations for a war, Reuters informs.
Zarif’s Iraqi counterpart Foreign Minister Hakim said that Iraq stands with Iran and is willing to act as an intermediary between Iran and the U.S.
“Iraq stands with Iran and is willing to act as an intermediary between its neighbor and the United States. Baghdad does not believe an ‘’economic blockade’ is fruitful,’’ said Hakim. “We are saying very clearly and honestly that we oppose the unilateral actions taken by the United States. We stand with the Islamic Republic of Iran in its position.’’
According to the Oman News Agency, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Oman and discussed regional developments with Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the sultanate’s minister responsible for foreign affairs.
“Araqchi stressed the importance of peace and security in the Persian Gulf region and warned against the destructive policies of the United States and some of its regional allies,’’ Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on its website.
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