The Iranian president says the Islamic Republic will firmly deal with any acts of aggression

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic is not after war, but will give a crushing response to any acts of aggression against the country.

“If anyone intends to invade our country, we will give a firm response to it (act of aggression),” Rouhani said in a meeting in the western Iranian province of Kordestan on Sunday night.

He said that Iran seeks moderation, fraternity, stability, security and peace.

Iran announced in the course of negotiations over its nuclear program that the options of aggression, occupation or interference in the affairs of others are not on the Islamic Republic’s table, Rouhani said, adding that Tehran favors logic and ethics, but will defend its territory against aggressors.

“We proved in the nuclear negotiations that moderation, logic and reasoning prevail over extremism, bullying and imposition [of ideas] and that the talks could set a global example,” he added.

The Iranian president made the remarks following recent threats by US officials that all options would remain on the table regarding Iran.

US officials have, on several occasions, used the rhetoric of threats following the July 14 conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 countries – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany. The two sides finalized the text of an agreement, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in the Austrian capital of Vienna.

Three days later on July 17, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the military option remains on the table regarding Iran.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter also said on July 19 that the agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries does not prevent Washington from using military force against Iran if it deems a military option necessary.

In an interview on Thursday, US President Barack Obama also threatened Iran with a military attack despite the recent conclusion of the nuclear negotiations.

US Secretary Of State John Kerry also said at an appearing at the American think-tank Council on Foreign Relations on Friday that military option against Iran has not been taken off the table.