Mumbai, June 24 -- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) faction leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday expressed his admiration for Iran, saying that the nation has shown "what self-respect and courage" are and that India should "learn" from it. The remarks come after the United States launched strikes on the country's nuclear facilities, and Iran responded by striking US military installations in the Middle East.

He also stated that Iran has always stood by India, be it the Kashmir issue or conflict with Pakistan.

"Iran has shown what self-respect and courage of a nation are. Iran is a country that has always stood with India when we faced any trouble. Be it the Kashmir or Pakistan issue, Iran has stood by India. We should learn from Iran. The country ...