Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh said Saturday that the Islamic Republic has adopted an independent stance on the Ukraine crisis, expressing Iran's opposition to the US and the NATO alliance devouring the world.

During the 15th Annual Conference of Iranian Students and Professors Overseas, held in Mashhad, Khatibzadeh pointed out that "the international system is changing, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We are opposed to the war and devouring world by the United States and NATO."

He indicated that "the ground for the current war between Russia and Ukraine has been prepared since three decades ago."

The Spokesperson stressed that Iran is "strong enough and will spare no effort to protect the country’s national interests, independence, and territorial integrity.”

The Iranian diplomat underscored that Tehran will not allow any other state to interfere in the country's internal affairs.

Khamenei: Ukraine is a victim of US policies

It is noteworthy that the Iranian Leadership Council considered Friday the West's provocative actions in expanding the NATO alliance a violation of the sovereignty of countries in this region.

On March 1, the Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei said the crisis in Ukraine is a result of the US policies, describing Ukraine as a victim of such policies.

“The US dragged Ukraine to where it is now. By interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs, creating color revolutions and toppling one government, and putting another in power, the US dragged Ukraine into this situation,” Khamenei indicated.

The Iranian leader underlined that “Ukraine’s situation has two important lessons. Governments that rely on the US and Europe should know their support is a mirage and not real. Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghanistan. Both countries’ presidents said they relied on US and Western governments but were left alone."