TEHRAN -- Iran’s top security official has reiterated the Islamic Republic’s “benevolent” relationship with its neighboring countries, calling on them to remain vigilant in the face of “fruitless foreign influence” and settle issues through cooperation.
“Powerful #Iran has always been benevolent to its neighbors & never posed a threat to them,” Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani tweeted.
He added that regional countries can resolve problems through collective cooperation.
“Any foreign influence is fruitless so we call on neighbors to be vigilant in this regard & to stay away from them,” Shamkhani tweeted.
Iran recently held military drills in the country’s northwestern border area, which was criticized by Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliev said he was “very surprised” by Iran’s decision to hold drills close to his country’s borders, and questioned the timing of the maneuvers.
Aliev had also accused Iran of sending over trucks to “illegally” cross into the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is a matter of dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Iran’s armed forces regularly hold military maneuvers to elevate their preparedness and military prowess. The drills serve as a warning message to the enemies against any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.
Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian said on Thursday that Tehran will not tolerate the occupying regime of Israel’s presence near the country’s borders and will take due measures against the regime’s activities.
The Iranian Army on Friday held a military exercise, codenamed Fatehan Khaybar (Conquerors of Khaybar), in the northwestern part of the country, using armored, artillery, drone, and electronic warfare units and helicopters.