Video PlayerClose

TEHRAN, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned on Thursday of a possible plot by the United States to "fabricate a pretext for war," semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"Intelligence from Iraq indicate plot to fabricate pretext for war," Zarif wrote on social media.

The foreign minister pointed to the deployment of two B-52H strategic bombers by Washington to the Middle East, announced on Wednesday by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The Iranian chief diplomat decried that Washington "wastes billions" in military deployment, "instead of fighting COVID-19" in the United States.

Tehran, Zarif wrote, does not seek war, but will defend its people, security and vital interests "openly and directly." Enditem