IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: BRICS SHOULD BOLSTER STABILITY IN WEST ASIA

TEHRAN, March 13 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi believes that BRICS should play a constructive role in promoting the stability and security of West Asia, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"Pointing to BRICS' role and position as an organisation aimed at expanding comprehensive cooperation, Araghchi noted that this body should now play a constructive role in supporting regional stability and security," the ministry wrote on Telegram after a phone conversation between Araghchi and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, RIA Novosti/Sputnik reported.

On Feb 28, the United States 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 region.

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 assassinated on the first day of the military operation. The Islamic Republic declared 40 days of mourning.

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s assassination as a cynical violation of international law. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israeli operation and called for an immediate de-escalation and an end to hostilities.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI