Iran's Response To US Steps Based On 'No To War, No To Sanctions' Tactic - Rouhani's Aide

Iran's strategy to confront US hostile measures is based on a "no to war, no to sanctions" principle, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's cultural adviser, Hesameddin Ashena, told Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2019) Iran's strategy to confront US hostile measures is based on a "no to war, no to sanctions" principle, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's cultural adviser, Hesameddin Ashena, told Tasnim news Agency on Tuesday.

In recent weeks, the United States has stepped up its military presence in the middle East in what National Security Advisor John Bolton has called a "clear and unmistakable message" to Tehran. The United States has recently deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, Patriot missiles, B-52 bombers and F-15 fighters to the region, according to the Pentagon.

"Firstly, we would not allow a war to take place in the region, and secondly, we will not brook remaining under sanctions .

.. Our response to the United States is no to war and no to sanctions," Ashena told said.

Last week, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Tehran would continue to resist Washington but that there would be no war.

US-Iranian tensions initially flared up last year when the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and started reinstating sanctions against Tehran. On May 8, Iran announced its own decision to partially discontinue its obligations under the nuclear agreement.