Turkey once again defended energy ties with Iran and Russia, despite US official calls on Turkey to seek alternatives such as agreeing with other regional suppliers including Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Iran and Pakistan on Monday started a new round of talks over finalizing a multi-billion dollar gas pipeline project with Pakistan, but in the absence of Indian officials.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran would not launch an attack on Israel or any other country, and he does not believe the US is preparing for war against Iran.