Iran warns of 'irreversible' consequences of regional war

On September 23, speaking to a group of journalists after arriving in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: "We do not want to be the cause of instability in the Middle East because its consequences are irreversible."

"We want to live in peace , we don't want war," he added. "Israel is the one who is trying to create this full-blown conflict."

Asked if Iran would get involved in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, he replied: "We will defend any group that is defending itself and its interests."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, September 16. Photo: WANA

Pezeshkian's call for resolving the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel launched a fierce airstrike on Hezbollah on September 23, making it the bloodiest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily fighting between Israeli and Hezbollah forces. Israel has said it prefers a diplomatic solution that would see Hezbollah move further away from the border.

However, Hezbollah says only an end to the conflict in Gaza can end the fighting. Efforts to end the Gaza ceasefire have been deadlocked after months of unsuccessful negotiations brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

Iran's regional policy is set by the elite Revolutionary Guards, who are responsible only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's highest authority.

Asked whether Iran would retaliate for the assassination of Hamas militant group leader Ismail Haniyeh in late July, Pezeshkian said: "We will respond at the appropriate time and place, in the appropriate way."

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/iran-canh-bao-ve-hau-qua-khong-the-dao-nguoc-cua-cuoc-chien-toan-khu-vuc-post313656.html