Iran does not want war with the United States, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards has claimed, adding that Washington lacks the “will” to fight Tehran.

“The difference between us and them is that they are afraid of war and don’t have the will for it,” Major General Hossein Salami said, according to the Fars news agency.

Salami has made a number of public statements about rising tensions with the United States, following Washington’s declaration that a joint strike group was being deployed to the Persian Gulf to send Iran a “message.”

The Iranian general described the move as part of a “psychological war,” noting that Tehran has grown accustomed to a large US military presence in the region.

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His comments echo similar remarks made by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who said on Saturday that Iran does not want war. The Iranian diplomat also boasted that no country on earth is under the “illusion” that it could “confront Iran” in the Middle East.

Rising tensions between the US and Iran have led to fears of a brewing conflict. The New York Times reported that the Pentagon had proposed to send up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East in the event of an escalation with Iran. US President Donald Trump denied the report.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has also alluded to the possibility of a regional conflict, noting that the kingdom wants peace but is prepared to confront Tehran with “all strength and determination” if necessary.

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