ugc_banner

Iranian President Rouhani says Tehran watches US closely, but won't start conflict

WION Web Team
New Delhi Updated: Apr 25, 2020, 04:41 PM IST
main img
File photo: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Tehran was watching US activities and said his country will not initiate a conflict in the region. 

Rouhani's comments came during a telephone call to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani amid rising tension between Washington and Tehran, were made, Iranian state media reported.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran follows America's activities and movements closely, but it will never be the one that starts conflict and tension in the region," Rouhani was quoted as saying during the call, held due to the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday that he had instructed the US Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea.

Earlier this month, the US military said 11 Revolutionary Guards naval vessels came close to US Navy and Coast Guard ships in the Gulf, calling the moves "dangerous and provocative".

Tehran blamed its long-time adversary for the incident.

(With inputs from Reuters)