Iran has said it is not seeking to escalate the conflict in the Middle East but its arch-enemy Israel must be “punished”, the country’s foreign ministry said. Amid widespread fears of the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, spreading, Iran claimed on Monday it was not seeking a regional escalation. Iran has said it is not seeking to escalate the conflict in the Middle East but its arch-enemy Israel must be “punished”, the country’s foreign ministry said. Amid widespread fears of the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, spreading, Iran claimed on Monday it was not seeking a regional escalation.