Rouhani Warns of ‘Decisive’ Response if Iran Space Violated Again

By Staff, Agencies

Although Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran is not after war with Washington, he stressed however that the Islamic Republic will give the United States a “decisive” response if it once again violates Iran’s territorial space.

Rouhani made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday, stressing that Iran did not want war with the United States but would confront any aggression.

"If the Americans want to violate the waters or airspace of Iran again, Iran's armed forces have a duty to confront them and they will give a decisive response," Rouhani said.

He also emphasized that Tehran has been always committed to providing the region with security and stability.

Macron, for his part, said that tensions in the region will not be useful for any country and called for avoiding a "dangerous escalation" in the region.

Tensions have been running high between the two countries since Washington’s decision in May last year to abandon the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-impose sanctions on Tehran as part of a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at forcing it to renegotiate a new deal that addresses its ballistic missile program and regional influence as well.

The US has also sent warships, bombers and additional troops to the region in the wake of suspicious tanker attacks in the Sea of Oman, which it has blamed on Iran without providing evidence.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran hit a new high after Iran shot down a US spy drone on Thursday following its violation of Iranian airspace. However Washington insists that the aircraft was flying above international waters.