BAGHDAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday said Iran will defend itself against any economic or military aggression, media reports have said.

Zarif also called on European states to do more to maintain a nuclear agreement his country signed with.

Speaking to journalists in the Iraqi capital Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim, Zarif said Iran wants to build balanced relations with its Gulf Arab neighbors.

He said Iran will defend against any war efforts against the country — be it a military war or an economic war. “Iranians will face these with strength,” Zarif said.

Tensions have been on a rise between the United States and Iran in recent times. (Agencies)