TEHRAN -- Iran said Saturday it will strongly protect its national interests and independence and will never allow any country to interfere in its domestic affairs.

“We are strong enough and we will not give up any effort to protect the country’s national interests, independence and territorial integrity,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said. “On the other hand, we will not allow any country to exploit or interfere” the country’s affairs, he added. He also said Iran pursues an “independent” stance on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, reiterating Tehran’s opposition to war.