Pres. Rouhani: If it weren't for Gen. Soleimani's efforts, you wouldn't enjoy security in London today

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): President of the Islamic Republic of Iran spoke with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by telephone and stressed that if it were not for Martyr Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani's efforts, you wouldn't enjoy security in London today, calling on the British government to seriously reconsider its stances regarding Martyr Soleimani's assassination.

During the phone call that was initiated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom on Thursday, President Hassan Rouhani described Iran's response to the United States and attacking its military base as legitimate defence and based on Article 51 of the United Nations' Charter.

He said, "If the US makes another mistake, it will receive a very dangerous response".

President called Martyr Soleimani a friend of all regional peoples and a champion of fighting terrorism, and said that the US' terrorist acts is a serious threat to regional security, adding, "As a person who had friendship and cooperation with Gen. Soleimani for nearly four decades, I say that he sought to strengthen regional security and stability".

Criticising the statements by some British government officials regarding the assassination of Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani, Dr Rouhani urged them to seriously reconsider their stances and said, "If it were not for Martyr Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani's efforts, you wouldn't be calm in London today".

"The Americans and the White House had no knowledge of the region and it was only after their terrorist act that they realised what mistake they have made, because of the uprising of regional nations and the unity that was created," Dr Rouhani said.

He said that the root cause of all recent insecurities was the United States' withdrawal from the JCPOA and their illegal actions, saying, "The US terrorist act was against all international laws and regulations. They have been boycotting food and medicine for two years and committing a major crime by assassinating Gen. Soleimani".

The president said, "Tehran will continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the IAEA will monitor Iran's nuclear activities as before," adding that if Europe returns to its commitments, Iran would return to its nuclear obligations as well.

During the phone call, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom expressed sympathy and condolences over the incidents that have happened in Iran over the past week, expressing concern about the escalation of insecurity in the region and the security of British troops, and called for restraint by all parties.

Johnson emphasised the need to improve Tehran-London relations, highlighting the importance of saving the JCPOA in strengthening international security, and calling for all efforts to maintain this important international agreement.

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