Tehran: Iran's foreign minister told his British counterpart that any end to the ongoing war with the US and Israel must include guarantees to prevent future attacks, according to Iranian state media. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi stated that the cessation of attacks is crucial for normalizing conditions. He emphasized that the end of the war must be accompanied by assurances to prevent the recurrence of similar aggressions. Araghchi further cautioned against any support for the US and Israel during this escalation, noting that such actions would only complicate the situation further.

Araghchi urged the UK to avoid cooperation with Washington and Tel Aviv in military or media arenas. He criticized the UK's provision of military bases to the US, stating that such actions would be perceived as participation in aggression and would be remembered in the history of bilateral relations. He asserted Iran's right to defend its sovereignty and independence.

Additionally, Araghchi criticized the stance of the UK and some other European countries, highlighting that Iran was targeted while engaged in diplomacy, resulting in the deaths of more than 170 elementary school students. He underscored Iran's respect for the sovereignty of neighboring countries and clarified that Iran has no intention of attacking them. However, he pointed out that US bases in these countries are being used to strike Iran, and these nations have not fulfilled their international responsibility to prevent the use of their territories for such attacks.

Araghchi condemned an attack on the South Pars facilities and expressed concern over the absence of condemnation, as reported by IRNA. In response, UK Foreign Secretary Cooper also called for an end to the war and a reduction in regional tensions. She expressed concern about the political and economic consequences of the conflict on both regional and global scales, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, hostilities have intensified. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.