Moscow:Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has dismissed former President Donald Trump's claims regarding the potential destruction of American cities, branding them as baseless and mere campaign rhetoric.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Jalali stated that Trump's allegations are entirely unfounded and unrealistic. He emphasized that Iran's military doctrine is focused on defense and deterrence, and that the country has never initiated wars. However, Jalali acknowledged Iran's missile capabilities as an undeniable fact, suggesting that Trump is using these as a pretext to address domestic political issues during his campaign, particularly against Democratic opponents in California.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei echoed these sentiments in a message on X, asserting that the true threat does not come from external forces but from the US ruling establishment, which he accused of engaging in illegal warfare with global consequences. Baqaei criticized the use of fear tactics, referencing Trump's alleged description of potential city destruction as an "acceptable price," and pointing out this approach diverts attention from real dangers.