Tehran, May 4, IRNA � Expediency Council Chief Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said the US is seeking to split up the region to save its own interests.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the National Teacher�s Day here on Monday, he said that at the present juncture Iran is the only safe haven in the region and could play a vital role in maintaining stability.

He noted that Iran, the region and the whole world are in such a state that requires all to remain vigilant.

The Ayatollah stressed that things in the world are not going the way the US, Europeans and other hegemonic powers want.

He said this has forced them to try to carry on with their ideas in a different manner.

Now, they think that a powerful and big country in the region is no good for them, especially if this country enjoys a freedom-seeking spirit.

Referring to the situation in the regional states like in Iraq and Egypt, Rafsanjani said the US Congress has been planning for years to break up the region into small countries.

By IRNA