Western pressure on Iran is driven less by political disagreements than by a struggle for resources and regional influence, Iran’s ambassador to Ashgabat, Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, said in remarks to RIA Novosti.

According to the diplomat, efforts to weaken Tehran should be viewed not simply as a political dispute but as part of a broader contest for control over resources, influence and power across the region.

Rouzbehani argued that such pressure has deep historical roots. Iran, he noted, has repeatedly faced external pressure largely because of its advantageous geographic position and vast natural wealth.

The ambassador stressed that Iran possesses enormous energy reserves and occupies a strategic crossroads linking the Middle East with Central Asia. Over the past century, he added, various countries have repeatedly sought access to Iranian resources and attempted to gain control over key energy routes.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets inside Iran, including sites in Tehran. The attacks reportedly caused destruction and civilian casualties. Tehran has since responded with strikes against Israeli territory and against U.S. military facilities across the Middle East.