Iran in favor of peace but prepared for any scenario: Foreign Minister Araghchi

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iran is in favor of peace but it is also prepared for any scenario, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday.

"The spread of the war in the region is a serious threat; we are in favor of peace, but we are also prepared for any scenario," he told a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul.

Despite international outcry and efforts to the end the conflicts, Israel continues its air and ground attacks in both Lebanon and Gaza.

Earlier this month, Iran launched missiles into Israel in retaliation for assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran would "pay" for the attacks, and is said to be still deliberating how to respond.

Araghchi said Israel is trying to set the region on fire with its attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, adding: "The Israeli regime recognizes no limits in its war crimes. We support a permanent and immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon."

Türkiye's stance "in supporting the Palestinian people and standing up against the Israel's crimes is commendable," he added.

Araghci is on a two-day visit to Türkiye that began on Friday.