NATO tells Iran to avoid further violence as tension mounts in West Asia

North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, has called for restraint and de-escalation in the West Asian region, as tensions soar following the killing of a top Iranian general.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Tehran should avoid further violence and provocations, saying that a new conflict would be in no one's interest.

 

At an emergency session of NATO's ruling council, US officials provided the rationale behind the action against Iranian General Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad airport. Soleimani was head of Tehran's West Asia operations as commander of the Revolutionary Guards'



Quds Force.

 

All NATO members not only supported the United States' move to kill Soleimani but also condemned Iran for allegedly supporting different terrorist groups. 

NATO maintains a 500-strong mission in Iraq, preparing local forces to take on Islamic State group extremists. However, its core training activities have now been suspended amid worsening security situations.

 

Tehran has vowed to avenge Soleimani's killing while US President Donald Trump has threatened major retaliation if any American targets are hit.