Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stated in a speech broadcast by state TV that the Islamic Republic will not wage a war against any nation.
Rouhani said that that the parties opposing Iran were a group of inexperienced politicians.
On Thursday, two oil tankers – the Kokuka Courageous and the Front Altair – were reportedly attacked in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States rushed to accuse Iran of allegedly sabotaging the vessels.
Following the incident, US President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the USS Mason, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, to the area, effectively expanding the US military presence in the region.
The US and Iran have experienced a dramatic downturn in relations after President Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in May 2018, in a move lambasted by other signatories of the agreement. Washington then proceeded to impose sanctions against Iran.
A year after the US pullout, Iran announced that it would partially suspend its obligations under the agreement.
Recently, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran announced that the country would exceed enriched uranium stockpile limitations outlined in the JCPOA, while it could also exceed levels of heavy water reserves and limits on uranium enrichment as specified in the deal.