‘US policies at the root of Ukraine conflict’: Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Tehran supports efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Khamenei termed US policies the “root cause of the crisis” in the eastern European country. The leader made these remarks in a televised speech on March 1.

“The solution to any crisis” lies in its “root cause”, he said, blaming Washington and its allies for stoking the Ukrainian crisis, and referring to Ukrainians as “victims” of US policies.

“The US dragged Ukraine to where it is now,” he said. “By interfering in Ukraine’s internal affairs… toppling one government and putting another in power, the US dragged Ukraine into this situation.”

He added that there were “lessons” to be drawn from the crisis in Ukraine, adding that the government that relies on the US “should know it’s only a mirage”.

Khamenei referred to the United States as a “mafia regime”, saying Ukraine had “fallen victim” to its policies. He also referred to America’s hugely influential military-industrial complex at the root of the crisis.

“If the US doesn’t stoke tension, their weapons industry will not be able to flourish.”

Earlier, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Tehran supported any “diplomatic effort” that would lead to a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis and was ready to play the role of a peace-maker.

In a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin before the onset of the military intervention, Raisi had remarked:

“The expansion of NATO is a serious threat to the stability and security of independent nations in different regions.”