Iranian Defense Minister: US Policies in Middle East Warmongering, Hegemonic

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi reacted to remarks made by US War Minister Robert Gates in which the latter claimed that "Iran's neighbors are clearly concerned about Tehran's "aggressive behavior" and support international sanctions.

"The US warmongering, hegemonic and interfering policies have caused tension and insecurity in the world, particularly in the Middle East," Gen. Vahidi told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

The Iranian minister pointed to Iran's "good and constructive" ties with its neighboring countries and said, "US warmongering and interventionist officials seek to raise unfounded issues and sow dissension in order to damage good relations between regional countries."

Gen. Vahidi emphasized that the US scenario is a pretext to "extend their illegitimate presence in the region and sell arms."

"Regional nations are not worried about Iran but are concerned about the warmongering US regime which has victimized millions of people through its attack on Iraq and Afghanistan and its all-out and unconditional support for the Zionist regime (Israel)," he pointed out.

The Iranian minister reiterated that the defense capability of the Islamic Republic serves regional peace and tranquility.

"We have proved this issue in practice," he concluded.

The US defense secretary's remarks came under circumstances that the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council issued a statement at the end of a two-day summit in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday last week, calling for the enhancement of relations with Iran.