TEHRAN, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday that Iran will not initiate any war in the region despite the U.S. provocative moves, state TV reported.
"Iran is closely watching and following the activities and movements of Americans in the region, but it will never be the initiator of any tension and conflict," Rouhani was quoted as saying.
He made the remarks in a phone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Saturday.
The Qatari emir, for his part, underlined the need for all countries to prevent escalation of tensions in the region.
Both sides stressed the cooperation of regional states to ensure the stability and security.
Iran has called for full withdrawal of all U.S. forces from the Gulf region and West Asia, saying the "illegal" presence of U.S. forces in the region is the source of insecurity.
