The United States chose a new and dangerous path for the Middle East after US President Donald Trump ordered a drone attack in Baghdad that killed Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) elite Quds Force, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, adding that the region cannot expect to find peace as long as the US maintains its presence there.
The president made these comments as he welcomed Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to Tehran. The Qatari diplomat also held talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif.
"Unfortunately, the Americans have entered a new path that can be very dangerous for the region, therefore, in such a condition, close negotiation and cooperation between friendly countries is essential," Rouhani is quoted as saying in a press release.
The Iranian president outlined that the United States can expect to face severe consequences for Soleimani’s death, and stated that Washington's military presence in the Middle East continues to prevent peace in the region.
"Today, all regional countries must believe that as long as America is present in the region, the countries of the region will not find peace," Rouhani remarked.
He also called on other nations to condemn Washington’s decision to conduct a military operation against an Iranian commander on Iraqi soil.
"I hope that we all condemn state terrorism unanimously and that the countries of the region will strengthen their unity, cohesion and understanding more than ever," the president stated.
