Iran to welcome any peace initiative from India in war with US

New Delhi : Iran will welcome any peace initiative from India in de-escalating tensions with US after the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy here said on January 8 reaffirming that they want peace and not war.

Iran's Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni also hoped that there will be no further escalation in hostilities between his nation and the US.

The comments from the ambassador were recorded hours after Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Tehran tagged the incident as a slap on America's face.

"India usually plays a very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Soleimani at the Iranian Embassy here.

"We are not for war; we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world," he said.

62-year-old Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani was killed in an air strike by the American drones on Friday.

The strike also killed the deputy chief of Iraq''s powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.

On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend.