ISTANBUL

Iran is in favor of peace but it is also prepared for any scenario, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday.

"The spread of the war in the region is a serious threat; we are in favor of peace, but we are also prepared for any scenario," he told a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul.

Despite international outcry and efforts to the end the conflicts, Israel continues its air and ground attacks in both Lebanon and Gaza.

Earlier this month, Iran launched missiles into Israel in retaliation for assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran would "pay" for the attacks, and is said to be still deliberating how to respond.

Araghchi said Friday's meeting of the South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform, with the participation of foreign ministers from Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, was constructive and emphasized peace and stability in the region.

He said they assessed the presence of foreign powers in the region was complicating regional issues further and highlighted the importance of joint efforts to strengthen economic development in the area.