As he stressed that Iran has never tried to close Hormuz strait, he appealed to all countries of the region not to be “dragged into a dangerous position”.

As he stressed that Iran has never tried to close Hormuz strait, he appealed to all countries of the region not to be “dragged into a dangerous position”.

"Iran has never in its history tried to prevent, to put any obstacles in the way of this important maritime route," he said in an interview with NTV television during a visit to Turkey.
"We want peace and stability in the region... But the Americans... want to run certain countries from our zone," Salehi said. "I appeal to all countries of the region, please don't let yourself be drawn into a dangerous position."

He also said Washington should be willing to hold talks with Tehran without preconditions.

Iran had earlier threatened to close Hormuz strait in the event of a military strike or a severe tightening of international sanctions.
Meanwhile during Salehi’s visit, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu meanwhile, reiterated that Iran and six Western powers were ready to restart talks on Tehran's nuclear drive which were suspended a year ago.

"Both parties have expressed their wish to meet and to resume discussions," he said at a press conference with Salehi.
"Now it is up to the parties to decide on a place and date," the minister said, confirming that Turkey was ready to host the talks. The last round was held in Istanbul in January 2011.

He said Turkey believed a rapid resumption of negotiations between Iran and the five permanent members of the Security Council, plus Germany, would help to ease tensions on the nuclear dispute.

Salehi had said earlier on Thursday that nuclear talks were likely to take place in Istanbul.