Iran refuses striking Iraq

The Iranian minister of defense Ali Shamakhani has stressed Iran's total rejection of an American military strike against Iraq.

In a statement to the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued on Wednesday, Shamakhani said that Iran opposes any military act against any country especially of this country that is in the Gulf area. The Iranian minister denounced the double - standard policy which the US deals with the countries of the region and the world.

Upon his return to Tehran from Kuwait following an official visit which lasted three days, Shamakhani said that his talks with the Kuwaiti officials were very successful and fruitful.

He noted that the meetings between the Iranian and Kuwaiti sides resulted in providing each of the two countries with further possibilities of future strategic cooperation.

Shamakhani said that an announcement will be shortly made on an agreement between the two countries in the defense and educational areas. He stressed that work for attaining peace and stability is the base for cooperation between the two countries.