Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during a forum in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. (AP Photo)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has expressed confidence that no war would break out in the Middle East, despite the rising tension between Tehran and Washington. He further emphasized that no country has the “illusion it could confront Iran”.
“I am sure that as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said no war will occur as neither are we seeking a war nor anyone else has the illusion of being able to fight with Iran in the region,” Zarif told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) before ending his visit to the Chinese capital, Beijing, on May 18.
Zarif added that U.S. President Donald Trump also does not want war. However, the Iranian FM warned a group of people is pushing Trump towards a conflict with Iran.
The group, which Zarif refers to as “Team B,” is comprised of U.S. National Security Advisor John R. Bolton, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Salman and the UAE’s Crown Prince Mohamad Bin Zayed.
“Trump’s America First policy is turning into Israel First or Some Reactionary Regional Leaders First,” IRNA quoted Zarif as saying.
The tension between the U.S. and Iran escalated following the May 12 Fujairah incident, during which four oil tankers were attacked off the shores of the UAE. U.S. officials had accused Iran of planning the attack. However, they admitted that there is no solid evidence against Tehran.
A recent series of remarks by Iranian officials is another demonstration that Teheran is not seeking to instigate a new war in the region. However, the important point is that Iran has no capabilities to wage war and achieve a victory in an open conflict with the US and its allies.
In the March Q&A video, SouthFront noted that Zarif is supporer of the de-escalation of relations with the West. In the current situation, he undertakes various mearues to avoid the war.
