JEDDAH — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that the Islamic Republic will respond to any possible aggression by the United States against Iranian oil tankers in the Caribbean Sea or any other part of the world.

Rouhani made the remarks during his telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Iran’s news agency Mehr reported.

The warning to the US comes as a flotilla of five tankers carrying Iranian fuel for Venezuela is approaching the Caribbean, with the first vessel expected to reach the country’s waters on Sunday.

“Iran will never initiate a conflict,” Iranian president said. “We have always the legitimate right to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity and to serve our national interests, and we hope that the Americans will not commit an error.”

Rouhani alleged that the US is continuing with its incorrect behaviors even during the coronavirus pandemic and while the world is in dire need of collaboration.

The United States recently ramped up its naval presence in the Caribbean for what it said was an expanded anti-drug operation. — Agencies