Iran Will Never Initiate War Even with US But Will Give “Crushing Response” to Possible Invaders: Rouhani

TEHRAN-Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stressed that “Iran will never initiate a war in the region even with the US but if a possible war is waged” against the Islamic Republic, we will give “a crushing response to invaders.”

Rouhani was speaking on Wednesday during a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tehran.

The Iranian president said that in addition to bilateral issues, the two sides discussed ways to promote security and defuse tensions in the region.

“We are pleased that the two countries attach high significance to the stability and security of the region,” Rouhani said, noting that he told the top Japanese official that “Iran will never initiate a war in the region even with the US but if a possible war is waged” against the Islamic Republic, we will give “a crushing response to invaders.”

 According to press TV, Rouhani also praised Japan’s continued support for the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying the agreement is important for regional and global security.

He also said that Iran was willing to remain in the JCPOA, adding that the country welcomed cooperation with Japan in peaceful nuclear technology and stressing that both countries opposed nuclear weapons.

He stated that the “root cause of tensions [in the region] is the US economic war against Iran,” adding, “Whenever this war stops, we will witness a very positive change in the region and the world.”

He praised the age-old relations between Iran and Japan and welcomed the Japanese government’s determination to expand relations with Iran in different fields.

He said that during the meetings with the Japanese side different issues were discussed, including Japan’s investment in southern Iran, including in Chabahar Port and Makran region.

Rouhani said that Japan was interested in buying Iran’s oil, adding that this is a point that can guarantee the expansion of relations between the two states.

Japanese Prime Minister, on his part, said that his country aims to play a role in easing tensions surrounding Iran and stressed that peace and tranquility in the Middle East are very important for the entire world.

Abe said that stability and peace in the Middle East region would benefit not only the regional countries but the entire world, adding that efforts should be made to avoid any military confrontation in the region.

“Japan seeks to play a maximum role to prevent tensions, and this has been the focus of my trip to Iran,” he added.   

The Japanese prime minister said that Iran has been an important country in the Middle East, stressing that it’s necessary for the Islamic Republic to continue playing its constructive role in order for the region to remain stable and avoid any possible confrontation.  

Edited by Hamda Mustafa