UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
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 Friday's meeting of the South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform, with the participation of foreign ministers from Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, was constructive and emphasized peace and stability in the region.
He said they assessed the presence of foreign powers in the region was complicating regional issues further and highlighted the importance of joint efforts to strengthen economic development in the area.
- Recognizing no limits in advancing relations with Türkiye
Emphasizing the significance of relations with Türkiye, Araghchi said: "We recognize no limits in advancing our relationship with Türkiye, and in this context, we will strengthen these ties."
"In this meeting, we expressed our joint commitment to economic development and to reinforcing peace and stability in the region."
Iran and Türkiye, as two countries with rich cultural heritage, will further strengthen their bonds of friendship and brotherhood, he added.
We also discussed cooperation in trade, energy, counter-terrorism, joint investments, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, Araghchi stressed.
- Support for immediate, lasting cease-fire in Gaza, Lebanon
Addressing Israel's aggression in the region, Araghchi said "all countries, especially Islamic nations, must use every means at their disposal to stop the war machine of the child-killing regime."
"The continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes is unacceptable for any country in the region, especially Iran and Türkiye," he said. "The Israeli regime recognizes no limits in the war crimes it commits. We support an immediate and lasting cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon."
He emphasized that Israel's expansionist policies pose a threat to the region and the world, noting the serious likelihood of war spreading in the region.
"The region is facing a significant possibility of large-scale war, and no one except the Zionist regime desires this war," the Iranian diplomat said.
With the support of some Western countries, particularly the US, Tel Aviv has become more audacious in continuing its war crimes and acts of genocide, he added.
Türkiye's stance "in supporting the Palestinian people and standing up against the Israel's crimes is commendable," he said.
Araghci is on a two-day visit to Türkiye that began on Friday.