Anti-ISIL Coalition Pursuing West’s Interests in Region

(FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian lashed out at the western countries for supporting the Takfiri terrorists in Syria and Iraq, and said that US-led anti-ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) coalition aims to secure the West's interests in the region.

"The Western countries, including the US, seek their own interests in the so-called campaign against ISIL terrorists," Amir Abdollahian said on Thursday.

He reiterated that Iran on different occasions warned the US and western countries about the ISIL threats and the growing presence of terrorists in the sensitive Middle East region.

"These terrorist groups will continue their operations unless the US and the West adopt a clear approach to fight terrorism,” Amir Abdollahian said.

In relevant remarks in September, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned of the danger of violence and extremism for the world, and called for collective cooperation among all states to settle this problem.

"Unfortunately, we are witnessing the spread of insecurities in the region; from Ukraine to the Middle-East issues and to the terrorism in Iraq and Syria, these are all common concerns," Rouhani said in a meeting with the accredited Lithuanian ambassador to Tehran.

He warned of the danger posed by violence and extremism to the entire world, and said, "Countries should have closer cooperation and if there are any differences, there is no way but negotiation; military action victimizes innocent people and creates deep historical wounds in relations among nations; therefore, peace needs collective will and process."