Jammu/Srinagar, March 5 Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Thursday condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, saying no country has the right to exert control over another nation.
The President of the National Conference also stated that it is the responsibility of the Union government to articulate its position on the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
"Iran is an independent country. The US attacked it, which is wrong. It is wrong to invade any other country. No country has the right to exert control over another nation. They have done so with Venezuela as well. It is unfortunate," he told reporters here.
Warning of wider consequences, he said the impact of the ongoing war could be felt across the world in the coming days, and cautioned that the situation might escalate into a larger global conflict, possibly even a Third World War.
"It could lead to something bigger, and ultimately, it could start a Third World War. We are not sure about it," he said, adding that the situation should be handled responsibly.
Referring to public sentiment over the developments, he said that there is anger among Muslims, but he stressed that protests should remain peaceful.
"Muslims are angry. Protests should take place, but they should be peaceful," he added.
The Kashmir Valley has witnessed protests against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel joint strikes.
Responding to another question on the country's stance, he said that it is the responsibility of the Indian Government to articulate its position.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar later, Abdullah said that the US wants to capture Iran, but the consequences of such a move would not be good.
"There is a war going on. The US wants to capture Iran, and the consequences of such a move will not be good," the President of the NC said.
In response to a question about Kashmiri students stranded in Iran, he said that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs, and efforts were being made to bring them home.
"God willing, they will all return soon. Omar Abdullah is making efforts for their return through the Foreign Ministry. They have been evacuated to safer places. They will be evacuated via land routes and then brought here via flights," he added.
