Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni said Iran is not looking for war.
Iran's missile strikes on US bases in Iraq was carried out as people who had attended the funeral of General Qassem Soleimani had demanded the government for action, Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni said on Wednesday.
"Whatever we have done is a part of our response. Millions of people who participated in the funeral of General Qassem Soleimani had demanded the government for it. We have done it. We are not looking for war," Dr Chegeni told reporters in Delhi.
The envoy said that Iran is not looking for war.
"We are living in this region peacefully with our brothers and sisters including India. We don't want any tension/escalation in this region," he said.
"We haven't attacked any country in the last four centuries," Chegeni said.
Asked about India's role in the peace process, the Iran envoy said that India is part of the region and should be part of peace making efforts.
"India is a part of the region. It should be a part of de-escalation. We are welcoming any initiative from our good friends from India," he said.
On the future of Chabahar Port in Iran, he said, "Chabahar Port is a symbol of very good friendship between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Commonwealth of Independent States, Europe, whole Persian Gulf. It does not belong only to Iran and India. Chabahar will go on, don't worry about it."
The tension between Iran and the US has only mounted further after Tehran launched over a dozen missiles in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil, in Iraq.
At least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks on two US bases in Iraq, according to Iranian state media.
According to a Reuters report, Iranian State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said that Iran had 100 other targets planned in the region if Washington took any retaliatory measures.
The report said that US helicopters and military equipment were 'severely damaged' in the missile attacks.
US President Donald Trump, however, said, there was not much damage and all was well.
"All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," he said in a tweet shortly after the strike.
Earlier on Sunday, India's foreign minister Sunday spoke to his counterparts in Iran, United States, Oman and UAE.
Speaking to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the telephone, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's stakes and concerns.
"Had a telephonic discussion with Secretary of State @SecPompeo on the evolving situation in the Gulf region. Highlighted India's stakes and concerns," Jaishankar said in a tweet.
Pompeo reportedly told Jaishankar that the Trump Administration won’t hesitate to act to keep American lives safe. "@DrSJaishankar and I spoke just now regarding Iran’s continued threats and provocations. The Trump Administration won’t hesitate to act to keep American lives, and those of our friends and allies, safe." Pompeo said in a tweet.
He also spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and expressed "concern" on developments that have "taken a very serious turn."
"Just concluded a conversation with FM @JZarif of Iran. Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch," Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar said in a tweet.
(With inputs from Sidhant Sibal)
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 "Iranian Ambassador to India Dr Ali Chegeni")
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