AJ
⚡️ Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that there is no reason the new Mecca agreement would be directed at Iran, especially from countries with which Iran share deep religious, historical, and civil ties.
🔹 Baghaei said the history of friendship among the nations of Turkiye and Pakistan, as two neighbouring Muslim countries, is long-standing, while the deeply intertwined cultural bonds between the peoples of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye were crystal clear.
🔹 As Baghaei mentioned before, the shift is an important sign: “Regional countries have realised that they cannot rely on security guarantees offered by the United States or other extra-regional actors,” adding that consequently: “They are seeking alternative approaches by relying on their own capabilities and independent perspectives, free from the disruptive interference of outside parties.”
🔹 Baghaei also later said: “Bilateral relations between Tehran and Islamabad have gained greater importance, especially in recent months, and these reciprocal interactions are a natural part of the growing relations between the two neighbours.”
STRAIT OF HORMUZ
🔹 Baghaei said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a consequence of the US and Israeli aggression and the use of regional bases against Iran, stating that the talks with Oman are ‘solely a bilateral process to determine a safe route for international shipping,’ and are not related to political disputes.
🔹 The FM said that according to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, the continuation of the naval siege by the United States constitutes a clear act of aggression: “As long as hostile actions continue, the conditions for ensuring the safety of this waterway are not in place, and its reopening is contingent on the US ceasing its illegal actions, lifting the siege, and compensating for damages.”
🔹 Negotiations regarding the passage through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing smoothly and constructively, Baghaei continued, stating that an agreement had been reached on the ‘shipping traffic plan,’ and consultations are ongoing to finalise some technical details in the joint statement.
🔹 Baghaei said: “Based on the agreements reached, mechanisms will be established to monitor safe passage, protect the environment, and combat maritime crimes,” adding that it has also been ’emphasised that fees and charges will be collected for providing maritime services to vessels.’
NEGOTIATIONS
🔹 The decision-making process in foreign policy is completely transparent and all negotiations conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are carried out under the strict supervision of the Supreme National Security Council and in accordance with instructions issued by higher authorities.
🔹 Baghaei said: “Currently, there are no direct negotiations between the United States and Iran,” adding that ‘communication is limited to the exchange of messages through intermediaries regarding current issues,” and that decisions regarding future steps will be made based on evolving circumstances: “Currently, the entire focus of the diplomatic apparatus is on advancing negotiations with Oman to determine the final route for shipping traffic.”
🔹 The Minister continued saying that Iran’s role in managing the future of the Strait and ensuring its security, including measures related to safety and mine clearance, is clear: “This issue is being pursued within the framework of cooperation between the two coastal states, namely Iran and Oman.”
🔹 According to the agreements, previous routes will be replaced by a central and secure route, which will serve as a temporary route until a new separation plan has been reached: “According to the statements made, the southern route has never been a permitted safe route,” Baghaei said.
🔹 Baghaei continued, saying that the main reason for the escalation of conflicts since August 17th was: “The United States’ violation of its commitments and its insistence on allowing commercial shipping and military vessels to pass through the area with their transponders turned off,” adding that the main goal of the current diplomatic negotiations is to reach a sustainable understanding with Oman to ensure complete security in this vital waterway.
FORCES REMAIN FULLY ALERT AND CAPABLE
🔹 The Foreign Minister said he didn’t pay attention, either positive or negative, to the US evaluations regarding Iranian capabilities, saying: “I believe that the United States is facing a comprehensive decline and regression, which is not limited to military aspects alone, but extends to its reputation, morality, and politics.”
🔹 Regardless of claims made by the opposing side, Iran are determined to remain fully alert and continuously increase our capabilities from ‘moment to moment to face any development or event.’
DOCUMENTING WAR CRIMES
🔹 Baghaei ended the press talks saying that the names of Minab, Lamerd and Qeshm were just examples of the numerous war crimes committed by the US and Zionist regime during the recent military conflict.
🔹 “Iran has carefully documented all these inhumane actions, including the use of prohibited weapons such as phosphorous bombs in the attacks on a stadium in Lamerd and the use of cluster munitions to inflict maximum pain and damage on civilians,” Baghaei said.
🔹 Baghaei continued: “The bitter dimensions of these tragedies, including the demolition of the Shajareh Tayyabeh School in Minab and the martyrdom of children, are living proof of the aggressors’ barbaric behaviour against the Iranian nation.”
🔹 “All these documents have been forwarded to relevant international organisations and authorities, and legal proceedings will continue with seriousness until the victims’ rights are fully realised.”
