Baghdad, Oct 13 (EFE).- Iran\u2019s foreign minister Sunday reaffirmed the country\u2019s commitment to peace in Gaza and Lebanon but warned it is fully prepared for war if dragged into a regional conflict.<\/p>
\u201cThe Islamic Republic of Iran does not want to escalate tensions or war, but we are ready for any situation. We are prepared for war, but also for peace. This is Iran\u2019s firm position,\u201d Abbas Aragchi said during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein.<\/p>
Aragchi emphasized that Iran’s main goal is to end the conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon. \u201cWe are not afraid of war, but we do not want war. We want peace and will work toward a just peace in Gaza and Lebanon.\u201d<\/p>
However, upon arriving in Baghdad, the foreign minister warned that Iran has no “red lines” when it comes to defending its people and interests, especially in the face of rising tensions in the Middle East.<\/p>
Tehran remains committed to avoiding a regional war but is prepared for any eventuality, he emphasized.<\/p>
According to US media reports, Israel has identified targets for potential retaliation following the Iranian missile attack on Oct. 1. The focus would be on Iranian military and energy infrastructure.<\/p>
Iran carried out the attack in response to Israel\u2019s invasion of Lebanon and the killing of key allies, including Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.<\/p>
During his visit to Iraq, Aragchi noted that the purpose of his trip was to discuss \u201cspecial, dangerous, and sensitive issues\u201d in the region He praised the Iraqi government’s firm stance against allowing Iraqi airspace to be used in any military action against Iran or other nations.<\/p>
“I was very pleased to hear the firm position of the Iraqi Foreign Minister and the Iraqi government that they will not allow the country’s space to be misused against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any other country. This is the friendly and fraternal position that we expected from the Iraqi government,” he said.<\/p>
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed Iraq\u2019s opposition to any attempt to expand the war between Israel and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, cautioning against further escalation that could engulf the entire Middle East. EFE<\/p>
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