In statements to the Arabic news network Al Jazeera, the official referred to the talks between Tehran and Washington held in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and stressed the need to avoid any escalation that could destabilize the region.

“If the negotiations are conducted with a realistic perspective, based on mutual respect and without exaggerated demands, they can be considered a positive path that brings significant benefits to both sides and to regional stability and security,” he said.

Shamkhani noted that the recent diplomatic efforts seek to contain tensions and strengthen the political option in a scenario of increasing complexity in regional security, which, he said, requires a comprehensive mechanism for strategic coordination. The Iranian leader warned that his country “will respond firmly to any provocation” and maintained that “the cost of any miscalculation will be very high.”

He also stated that Israel cannot take action without the support of the United States.

A new round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States took place in Oman on February 6, following the stalemate that occurred after the Israeli and US attacks on Iranian territory in June 2015.

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