Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Aug. 2: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States against taking any "adventurous" actions, saying those responsible would face the consequences, amid renewed military tensions in the region.
According to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, Araghchi issued the warning during separate telephone conversations with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which they reviewed the latest regional developments.
Araghchi told Munir and Fidan that Iran was fully prepared to defend its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, and would respond decisively to any act of aggression.
During his conversation with the Saudi foreign minister, Araghchi cautioned that any hostile action by the United States or Israel, as well as support extended by regional countries for such actions, would invite a firm and proportionate response from Iran's armed forces.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry on Saturday accused the United States of violating the peace memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in mid-June. The ministry alleged that Washington had continued airstrikes on Iranian targets, maintained a blockade on Iranian ports and commercial shipping, and intensified economic pressure.
In a statement, the ministry said Iran would continue to resist what it described as "unlawful aggression" by the United States and defend its national dignity, sovereignty and independence.
The developments come after the United States and Iran resumed exchanging airstrikes following a brief pause in hostilities. Before the lull, Washington carried out multiple waves of strikes on Iranian targets, stating that the attacks were in response to Iranian operations against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and were aimed at reducing Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.
Earlier, Araghchi also warned Britain against any military cooperation with the United States in strikes on Iran. During a phone conversation with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband on Friday, he said any cooperation with what he termed "aggressors", even under existing defence agreements, would be unacceptable, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.