Amid rising tensions across the Middle East amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi on Thursday urged Seoul to take a broader role in deescalating the conflict, and called on the United States and Israel to halt what he described as illegal acts of aggression. At a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in central Seoul's Yongsan District, Koozechi said Iranians have long valued resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation but would stand firm if their enemies choose war. “Given the ongoing illegal, full-scale attacks, we cannot sit at the negotiating table now. The aggression against Iran must stop,” Koozechi said. U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have continued since Saturday, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial barrage. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in nearby countries, also damaging civilian facilities including airports and hotels. Asked about a statement Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Monday on the Middle East conflict, in which Seoul emphasiz