Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed that the ultimate expulsion of the U.S. from West Asia is the doomed fate of Washington's unbridled exploitation of the tools of war, sanctions, and assassination.

"The path chosen by the U.S. for itself and the region is characterized by insecurity, war and bloodshed. But, Iran, as the unified voice arising from the heart of every child of this ancient and proud land, heralds peace and quiet for the region," Zarif added.

On 3 January 2020, amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, the U.S. launched a terrorist attack on a convoy traveling near Baghdad International Airport, killing ten passengers, including Iranian major general and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Quds Forces commander Qasem Soleimani, Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces commander Abu Mahdi al- Muhandis, four senior Iranian officers and four Iraqi officers. (ILKHA)