President Hassan Rouhani dismissed Israel’s pledge to join the US-led coalition to provide security in the region as “empty”, and claimed that Israel is the main source of terrorism, war, and massacre in the region.

According to state-owned IRNA, during his Wednesday cabinet meeting, Rouhani said: “If Israelis are able to, they should maintain their own security.” Adding: “They have caused insecurity, massacre, and terror wherever they went.”

Rouhani stated that all the talks about the new coalition in the Persian Gulf are “superficial and impractical”, and “even if they become a reality, they will not help the security in the region.”

Since several attacks against tankers in the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, tensions have escalated between the Islamic Republic and the US and its allies.

Washington has asked 60 countries to join the coalition to provide shipping security in the Persian Gulf. Israel, Britain, South Korea, and Australia have pledged to join the coalition.

On the other side, Germany, France, and Japan have rejected the invitation.

President Rouhani once again stated that in order to maintain the security and stability in the Persian Gulf there is no need for foreign forces.

Last month the Islamic Republic offered a pact of non-aggression to other countries in the region.

Regarding the nuclear deal (JCPOA) Rouhani announced that if after the second 60 days pass, we will start the third step in scaling down compliance with our commitments to the deal. And if the third step still does not reach a result, the Islamic Republic will issue another 60-day ultimatum to reach a reasonable, fair and balanced solution.”

Iran has repeatedly criticized the European parties to the JCPOA for not complying with their commitments.