TEHRAN: Iran has no intention of committing acts of aggression but retains the right to defend itself militarily, President Hassan Rowhani said Friday.

Speaking at a parade to mark Army Day, Rowhani delivered a peaceful message that referenced negotiations with leading powers aimed at securing a permanent deal to resolve a decade-long impasse over Tehran’s nuclear program.

“The neighbors should know that the Iranian military wants stability in the region,” he said.

“During the nuclear talks we told the world we do not want to attack anyone and we do not want war.”

Rowhani said: “We are people of reason and dialogue.”

“Over the past two centuries Iran has never attacked anyone, but we have always confronted aggressors.”

Rowhani’s tone contrasted sharply with the often bellicose rhetoric of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.