Iran does not seek war, calling missile attacks 'proportionate measures' in self-defense

As Iran launched a missile attack on US-led forces in Iraq in the early hours of Wednesday, in retaliation for the US drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, the world is wide-awake to every response.  

Here are some statements from Iranian officials, as they warned any US retaliation will lead to a regional war.

Iran is not seeking escalation or war, Iranian Foreign Minister tweeted after Tehran hit US targets in Iraq on Wednesday, adding that Tehran would defend itself against any aggression.

"Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched. We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression," Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. 

Any US retaliation to Iran's missile attacks on American targets in Iraq could lead to an all-out war in the Middle East, an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tweeted on Wednesday.

"Any adverse military action by the US will be met with an all-out war across the region. The Saudis, however, could take a different path - they could have total peace!" Hessameddin Ashena said in a statement on Twitter.

Iran's missile attacks on US targets in Iraq was the first step and Tehran will not spare American troops, Iranian state TV quoted a Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) commander as saying.

"The missile attacks today were just the first step (US President Donald) should think about withdrawing its troops from the region and not to leave them within our reach," Iranian state TV quoted the commander as saying, without naming him.

Following Wednesday's attacks, Iranian telecommunication minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi tweeted: "Get the hell out of our region!"