IRNA – Iran has sacrificed 17,000 martyrs for fighting terrorism, said senior Iranian official here on Sunday, stressing “Iran is the victim of terrorism.”

Serious combat with terrorism and efficient management have directed the country to development, sustainability, stability and tranquility, Chairman of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations Kamal Kharrazi said.

On the sidelines of World Peace Forum in China, Kharrazi referred to the main role the US and certain regional countries play in promulgation of terrorism.

At a press conference in Beijing, Kharrazi talked of the unpleasant developments the Middle East region has faced in recent years due to the meddling of the West and certain Arab countries in the region to create instability.

Unfortunately, terrorism has been largely extended to the Middle East region due to the anti-democracy policies adopted by some regional governments, the senior official noted.

“Today, all declare that the behavior of groups like Daesh (ISIS) and their atrocity is unacceptable,” said Kharrazi adding the radical groups like al Qaeda, who oppress the people by the name of the extremist Islam, have no relations with the religion of Islam which is after peace, tranquility and friendship.

About US and Saudi anti-Iran remarks, Kharrazi said they claim that Iran is a factor of regional instability, while Iran beside Syria and Iraq did counter terrorism and led to regional stabilization.

Asked about the regional policies adopted by the US President Donald Trump, the official said they are the cause of instability.

Answering a question about Iran’s cooperation with the countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), Kharrazi said the Islamic Republic always endeavors to strengthen ties with the littoral states of the Persian Gulf, but the stance taken by certain countries (there) has created problem.

Referring to the interference of the US and Saudi Arabia in the internal affairs of some countries, Kharrazi said the Saudi interventionist policy is “unacceptable whatsoever.”

Talking of Iran’s regional stance, Kharrazi said the Islamic Republic’s policy focuses on solving the questions through “dialogue and cooperation,” and Tehran hopes the tension created between the Persian Gulf littoral states (Qatar and Saudi Arabia) will be removed as soon as possible.

Turning to the issue of Syria, the official said cooperation between Iran, Russia a Turkey in halting the Syrian crisis is “essential.”

He, at the end, appreciated China’s stance on the fight against terrorism and extremism, and said Tehran respects Beijing for its just support for Damascus.

The 6th World Peace Forum kicked off in the Chinese capital on June 24. It was attended by a large number of scholars and political think tank.