New Delhi, Jan 8 Iran on Wednesday urged India and other countries in the region to condemn the US act vis-a-vis killing of commander Qasem Soleimani in a third country and said "everyone has the right to defence".
"This is not revenge, this was the right of our people....," Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni stated this in connection with the Iranian 'retaliation' and launching of missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq reportedly killing at least 80 US soldiers
"All the countries should condemn the terrorist act from America. Because what happened is that America came to our region and attacked an official (Maj Gen Soleimani) in a third country (Iraq). If the countries are condemning such terrorist acts, tomorrow it can be repeated in any other country," he said.
The strong remarks by Iranian diplomat came after Iran said the attack on American air base was a "slap on the face" of the US.
"Everyone has the right to defence," remarked Iranian ambassador.
"India is a good friend for us......We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region," Mr Chegeni said after a condolence meeting for Iranian commander Maj General Solemani here.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also said in a tweet: "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression".
The Iranian envoy said India and "all the countries" can play a role for peace but everyone should condemn the American actions too.
"India is a good partner of Iran politically, economically and on security front," Mr Chegeni said.
He said the slain Iranian commander General Soleimani was "the champion of combating terrorism" as he was invited by Syrian and Iraqi governments to fight the ISIS.
Countering US President Donald Trump's stance that Soleimani was a 'terrorist', he said such a thing is far from true as supporting or indulging in terrorism is against the very principle of the Iranian civilisation.
The envoy said the Americans are taking these stands as "they (the US) want to run away from illegal and criminal terrorist acts (of killing Soleimani)".
On the possible role India can play to ensure peace and de-escalate the situation, the envoy said: "We have very good relationship. We have very good understanding. Recently Dr S Jaishankar (Indian External Affairs Minister) visited Iran and had very good exchange of information on different aspects with our Minister Javad Zarif".
"So, we welcome any initiatives from India....," he said underlining the need for peace and tranquility in this region.
"Because this region belongs to us...," he said adding, "we should avoid any tension in this region".
"So, whatever we expect from all over the world and especially the countries in this region is that all should push for peace....," the envoy said.
Mr Chegeni said: "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region".
Meanwhile, amid the growing US-Iran tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued an advisory counseling Indians to avoid all 'non-essential' travel to Iraq until further notification.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also has held telephonic talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and shared India's 'deep concerns' over the escalation of tensions.
".....Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch," Dr Jaishankar had tweeted after his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister.
In the midst of heightened tension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would strike a "resounding blow" if it is attacked by Iran.
"This is not revenge, this was the right of our people....," Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni stated this in connection with the Iranian 'retaliation' and launching of missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq reportedly killing at least 80 US soldiers
"All the countries should condemn the terrorist act from America. Because what happened is that America came to our region and attacked an official (Maj Gen Soleimani) in a third country (Iraq). If the countries are condemning such terrorist acts, tomorrow it can be repeated in any other country," he said.
The strong remarks by Iranian diplomat came after Iran said the attack on American air base was a "slap on the face" of the US.
"Everyone has the right to defence," remarked Iranian ambassador.
"India is a good friend for us......We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region," Mr Chegeni said after a condolence meeting for Iranian commander Maj General Solemani here.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also said in a tweet: "We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression".
The Iranian envoy said India and "all the countries" can play a role for peace but everyone should condemn the American actions too.
"India is a good partner of Iran politically, economically and on security front," Mr Chegeni said.
He said the slain Iranian commander General Soleimani was "the champion of combating terrorism" as he was invited by Syrian and Iraqi governments to fight the ISIS.
Countering US President Donald Trump's stance that Soleimani was a 'terrorist', he said such a thing is far from true as supporting or indulging in terrorism is against the very principle of the Iranian civilisation.
The envoy said the Americans are taking these stands as "they (the US) want to run away from illegal and criminal terrorist acts (of killing Soleimani)".
On the possible role India can play to ensure peace and de-escalate the situation, the envoy said: "We have very good relationship. We have very good understanding. Recently Dr S Jaishankar (Indian External Affairs Minister) visited Iran and had very good exchange of information on different aspects with our Minister Javad Zarif".
"So, we welcome any initiatives from India....," he said underlining the need for peace and tranquility in this region.
"Because this region belongs to us...," he said adding, "we should avoid any tension in this region".
"So, whatever we expect from all over the world and especially the countries in this region is that all should push for peace....," the envoy said.
Mr Chegeni said: "We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region".
Meanwhile, amid the growing US-Iran tensions, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday issued an advisory counseling Indians to avoid all 'non-essential' travel to Iraq until further notification.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also has held telephonic talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and shared India's 'deep concerns' over the escalation of tensions.
".....Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch," Dr Jaishankar had tweeted after his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister.
Dr Jaishankar has also held tele talks with his counterparts from UAE, Oman, Jordan and Qatar - Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Yusuf Alawi, Ayman Safadi and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani respectively.
Reports quoting Iranian state television claimed that Iran missile strikes on bases in Iraq killed 80 Americans.
In the midst of heightened tension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would strike a "resounding blow" if it is attacked by Iran.
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