Ukraine war rooted in NATO eastward expansion: Amir-Abdollahian

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian rejected on Friday claims that Iran sold Russia drones to use in the Ukraine war, pointing out that such allegations aim to legitimize the West's military assistance to Kiev.

In a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Amir-Abdollahian said the Ukraine war is rooted in the wrong policies of the NATO alliance and its eastward expansion.

The Iranian Minister reiterated that his country opposes sending weapons to both sides of the war and believes this would only increase human losses and financial costs for both sides.

The top diplomat underlined that Iran would continue its efforts to stop the war and promote lasting peace in Europe.

Last month, Amir-Abdollahian made clear that Tehran had provided Moscow with a limited number of drones months before the start of the Ukraine war.

According to the Iranian Foreign Minister, the US and some Western countries have used misinformation and abused international mechanisms to ignite chaos and terrorism in Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian pointed out that Tehran considers diplomacy and dialogue as the best option but stressed that Iran will never be tight-handed against other options.

On his part, Guterres hailed Iran's constructive role in regional issues and expressed hope that Tehran's efforts would lead to a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the end of the war.

The UN chief also stressed the importance of Iran's continued efforts to help find a political solution to the crisis in Yemen.