Iran stresses preparation for 'war situation', but says it works for making peace in Gaza, Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that the country is in complete preparation for a "war situation", however it is endeavoring for peace in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

News ID: 5251

Date: 13 October 2024 - 19:39

TABNAK, Oct, 13: He made the remarks during a joint presser with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein in Baghdad on Sunday. Iranian foreign minister stepped in Baghdad as part of a regional tour after Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

Araqchi plans to travel to Oman after concluding his trip to Iraq.

"We are fully prepared for a war situation. We are not afraid of war but we do not want war and we will strive for a just peace in Gaza and Lebanon,” Araqchi said in the press conference.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek an escalation of tension, conflict and war, although it is ready for any situation. We are ready for war as we are ready for peace and this is the firm position of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.

Iran and Iraq have consensus on the necessity to put an immediate end to the Israeli regime’s crimes and aggression and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, he said.

The top Iranian diplomat noted that he has held close consultations with officials of the regional countries, particularly with Iraqi authorities, given “very dangerous challenges” and an “alarming situation” in the region.

He once again underlined the importance of countering the Israeli regime’s aggression and halting its war and attacks on people in Gaza and Lebanon.

Araqchi expressed regret that the international community did not pay enough attention to the very important issue of displaced people, saying Israel has blocked all ways to assist them with its attacks.

He reaffirmed Iran’s determination to help the Lebanese people and the Palestinian refugees in Syria through every possible means.

The Iraqi foreign minister, for his part, said his country opposes a regional war spreading to Iran amid the Israeli regime's rhetoric about a possible response to the Islamic republic's recent missile attack.

"The continuation of the war and its expansion towards the Islamic Republic of Iran and (Israel's) exploitation of Iraqi airspace as a corridor is completely unacceptable and rejected," Hussein added.

The Iraqi minister emphasized that any war in the region would have consequences for regional security and peace.

The foreign minister said his regional tour was aimed at conducting “close consultations and discussions” with regional allies, especially Iraq, as the region is facing multiple challenges created by the Israeli regime.