Iran's Ahmadinejad warns against imminent regional war

The drums of war are beating in the Middle East, in the light of recent remarks by the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corpse and expectations that US President Donald Trump would order a military strike against Iran, after the Islamic Republic had resumed its uranium enrichment activities.

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent a message to incumbent President Hassan Rouhani to warn him against a potential devastating war in the region.

Ahmadinejad asked the Iranian president to stop this potential war.

"What I collect from the news headlines around the world is that a devastating war has been planned for the region," Ahmadinejad wrote in his message. "This war is about to erupt."

He said Iranian authorities are responsible for taking measures to prevent the eruption of this war.

These developments come after the Iranian navy had seized a South Korean oil tanker in the Gulf. It said the Korean tanker had violated marine life regulations.

Some observers believe, however, that Iran had seized the vessel to punish Seoul for withholding $7 billion it owes Tehran.

Meanwhile, Japan, China, the European Commission and Saudi Arabia expressed concern over Iran's announcement that it would enrich uranium to 20%.

The European Union expressed concern on January 5 over Iran's moves, describing them as a violation of its nuclear obligations.

These moves, it said, would have adverse ramifications.

According to some media reports, the Revolutionary Guard Corpse had moved short-range missiles and drones to Iraq.