Tehran: Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chairman of the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, emphasized that Iran has proven to the world that it has never initiated war, stating that Iran considers diplomacy and negotiation to be the best way to solve problems.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Major General Mousavi made these remarks during a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tesivilev in Tehran on Thursday. He praised Russia's strong positions at the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the recent 12-day conflict imposed by Israel.

Mousavi highlighted Russia's 'very firm and solid' stance at the UN and IAEA concerning the Israeli regime's recent attacks on Iran. He reiterated that Iran has never been the initiator of war and that diplomacy remains the nation's preferred approach for resolving disputes.

"The enemy used negotiations as a cover for deceit, ultimately initiating an imposed war against Iran. However, our armed forces responded decisively and powerfully to the United States and Israel," Mousavi stated.

Minister Tsivilev expressed his condolences over the loss of Iranian commanders and scientists in Israeli attacks and voiced full support for enhancing joint commissions to strengthen cooperation. Both officials underscored the urgent need for Iran and Russia to elevate their economic and defense collaborations to the highest levels, particularly in the context of severe Western sanctions.