TEHRAN - Former diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said the region is indebted to General Qassem Soleimani for the current level of security.

Amir-Abdollahian said Iran does not “joke” with anyone when it comes to regional security, Mehr reported on Wednesday.

On Mohammad Javad Zarif, Amir-Abdollahian said the foreign minister handles regional affairs by keeping to principles.

The former foreign minister for Arab affairs also dismissed U.S. claims about fighting Daesh, saying Washington is only seeking to “administer” the terrorist group to keep its own foothold in the region.

SP/PA