MOSCOW, March 14 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Iran does not intend to open a new front in hostilities with Muslim countries in the Middle East in light of the conflict with the United States (US) and Israel, Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said in an interview, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
"We are not seeking to harm the countries of the region. Listen, we consider the countries of the region Muslim – our friends. And we do not want at all to open a new front between us," Jalali said.
Earlier, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in his first address that Tehran could open new fronts of hostilities with the US and Israel if the conflict in the region continues.
Jalali also said Tehran had repeatedly warned that it would respond to attacks from the territory of Middle Eastern countries, and has communicated this information not only publicly but also through diplomatic channels to its neighbours.
"I think this is a completely rational action, since we cannot allow bases in other [West Asia] countries to be used to attack and kill our population. However, we certainly do not want to fight neighbouring countries, we want to live in peace and tranquility," the ambassador said.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the West Asia.
The US and Israel initially claimed their “preemptive” attack was necessary to counter the perceived threat coming from Iran’s nuclear programme, but they soon made it clear that they want to see a change of power in Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the military operation.
The Islamic Republic declared 40 days of mourning. On March 8, his son Mojtaba, who has not yet appeared in public, was appointed as his successor.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that the new Supreme Leader was wounded but was feeling well.
-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
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