President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday the Iranian nation wants moderation, fraternity, stability, security and peace.
Occupying foreign territories and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries are not on the agenda of the Islamic Republic.
The president, who was on a trip to Kurdestan Province, made the statements in a speech to a meeting of the administrative council of the western province, IRNA reported.
"(Instead,) logic and decisive defense against any aggressors are on the table."
Pointing to the recent agreement with world powers on Tehran's nuclear program, Rouhani said the negotiations leading to the deal provided an opportunity for Iran to prove to the world that "moderation" is the best way to solve disputes, adding that the those who talk about a military option on the table are after inciting violence, referring to remarks by US officials that the accord will not keep Washington from taking military action against Iran if necessary.
Rouhani noted that a positive cultural and religious atmosphere can be the "main weapon" against hostile plots by foreigners, saying, "The atmosphere of extremism and violence in the region will undoubtedly be in the interest of outsiders and the Zionist regime."
Hailing the people of Kurdestan for their dedication and sacrifices during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he said, "Thanks to the bravery of armed forces, Kurdestan is now a secure and stable province."
Rouhani said the existence of various factions and persuasions is favorable under the "umbrella of unity," stressing that ethnic and cultural differences should not undermine national unity in terms of ethics, morality and patriotism.
***Step Toward Rationality
The president referred to the proposal he put forth to the United Nations in 2013, named "World Against Violence and Extremism," and said the approval of the initiative by the world body was a step toward "moderation and rationality."
On the role of the country in contributing to regional peace, he said, "The people in the region are well aware that a powerful Iran can be very influential in bringing security to the region."
Referring to the situation in western neighbor Iraq, he said, "When terrorists began to threaten different cities and parts of Iraq, Iran practically entered the battlefield and showed it aims to combat extremism and promote peace and stability in the region," adding that regional states now acknowledge that Iran protects them against terrorism.
He rejected the idea that Iran provokes conflicts in the region, but emphasized that Tehran will resolutely respond to any foreign aggression.
Pointing to the notion of the "resistance economy" as outlined by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to boost domestic economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues, Rouhani said the initiative is not solely limited to the sanctions years and should continue even after the sanctions are lifted.
