Iran Favors Peace But Is Ready for War Too: Araqchi

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart during a visit to Baghdad on Sunday, Araqchi said Iran opposes an outbreak of war or deterioration of tensions in the region.

“However, we are prepared for any circumstances. We are ready for war and for peace. We are favoring peace and pushing for peace in Gaza and Lebanon,” he said.

Pointing to the serious challenges the region is facing and warning about the alarming regional situation, Araqchi stressed the need for closer consultations among the friends.

“The region is in a state of alarm, and the likelihood of an outbreak of clashes is very high, which is rooted in the Zionist regime’s crimes,” he noted, warning of the spread of the crisis to the other countries of the region.

It is necessary to deal with the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression in order to stop the war imposed on the people of Gaza and Lebanon, Araqchi stated.

The foreign minister noted that he has held very good consultations with the Iraqi officials. “The Zionist crimes must end and a ceasefire must be established. We decided, together with Iraq, to consult in this regard and push for a ceasefire (in Gaza).”

He also praised Iraq for declaring that it won’t allow its airspace to be used for an attack against Iran.

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein called for collective action to halt the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon.

Denouncing the Israeli regime’s threats against Iran and Iraq, Hussein stressed that his country will not turn into a battlefield.

He underscored that Iraq’s airspace will be excluded from any possible war, saying, “The outbreak of war in the region will result in instability and lack of peace.”

The Iraqi foreign minister warned that a war will lead to chaos and enable groups like Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) to resume terrorist attacks.