New Delhi: Any peace initiative by India to de-escalate tension between Iran and US would be welcomed by Iran in the prevailing situation following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian envoy in New Delhi said on January 8.

This came within hours after Iran launched missile strikes against two US military bases in Iraq in retaliation.

“India usually plays very good role in (maintaining) peace in the world. At the same time India belongs to this region. We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions),” Iranian Ambassador to India Ali Chegeni told reporters after a condolence meeting for Solemani at the country’s embassy in the national capital.

“We are not for war, we are looking for peace and prosperity for everybody in this region. We welcome any Indian initiative or any project that can help peace and prosperity in this world,” he said.

On the Iranian attack on US targets in Iraq, Ali Chegeni said his country retaliated under its right to defend.

Amid spiralling US-Iran tension over the killing of Soleimani, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on January 5 had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, voicing India’s concerns over the escalation of tensions.