Iran ‘never seeks war’ with US: Hassan Rouhani

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Tehran: President Hassan Rouhani said Iran “never seeks war” with the US, state media reported Wednesday amid a spike in tensions between the two countries. “Iran has no interest to increase tension in the region and it never seeks war with any country, including (the) US,” the president said.

Rouhani was speaking by phone to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, as Tehran and Washington engaged in an escalating war of words following Iran shooting down a US drone last week.

“We have always been committed to regional peace and stability and will make efforts in this respect,” the Iranian president told Macron. US President Donald Trump said he pulled back from retaliatory strikes on Iran at the last minute, rejecting Tehran’s claim that the aircraft was in its airspace.

But pressure mounted this week with Trump announcing sanctions on Iran’s supreme leader and top officials. The new measures are the latest against Tehran since Trump pulled out of a landmark nuclear accord between Iran and world powers.