Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says the ongoing talks between Iran and Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz are completely bilateral in nature between the two coastal states and aimed at determining the safe shipping route through the strategic waterway.
In his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baghei addressed certain current regional developments, including the technical and political Tehran–Muscat talks to reach an agreement on navigation of the Strait of Hormuz.
Stating that there had been no third party in the talks with Oman, he noted the issues related to the United States and its implementation of commitments would be reviewed later, in accordance with the circumstances.
He added that negotiations with Oman have been pursued seriously over the past week, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi being in contact with his counterparts, both in the region and beyond, with the aim of preventing the escalation of regional insecurity and ensuring Iran’s national interests.
In response to the question regarding the recent comments by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Araghchi on the importance of the MoU, and whether the US would implement its obligations under it, given the ongoing consultations through mediators, Baqaei clarified that Iran’s focus is currently reaching an understanding with Oman to ensure safe traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
US source of trouble in Hormuz
He said that an understanding with Oman is a necessary condition for the reopening of Hormuz, but it is not sufficient. The strait had not been closed due to a disagreement between its coastal states; rather, this strategic waterway has been in trouble since March of last year, in the face of an illegal and unprovoked war of aggression launched by the United States and the Israeli regime.
According to him, a significant change in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely, as long as the US continues its evil acts, including the naval blockade of Iran and military aggression against its interests.
Diplomacy focuses on national interests
Baqaei also responded to a question about some of the domestic criticism, saying the country’s diplomatic apparatus, in times of war or otherwise, does not bring its personal opinion to the fore, but rather expresses the position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and what is best for national interests and security.
Stating that the diplomatic apparatus is not allowed to appease political currents, or under their influence, he said all factions and groups are respected. “We welcome all the views of the critics; wherever the criticisms are useful, we take advantage of them, and wherever we feel it unfair, we tolerate it, because this is our duty,” he added.
But the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the entire diplomatic apparatus, and the country’s decision-makers are not allowed to indulge in fantasy imagery about war and peace. The reality is that we have not been given a choice between war and peace. America did not attack us in search of peace; we are in a real war, and in conditions of war, we must adhere to its requirements.”
Baqaei noted, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in no way allowed to adjust or intensify its positions to please political currents, or under their influence — all of whom are respected by us. What is important to us is national interests, and we, as the diplomatic apparatus, are the trustees of Iran’s national interests and national security.”
Hailing regional efforts to prevent war
In response to a question regarding the Western media claims that Saudi Arabia had tried to stop the US from attacking Iran, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson called it a blessing for all regional countries to consider themselves partners in the future peace and security.
He stressed that the illegal US war aggression against Iran is not simply a war on one country, but on the entire region, as the peace and security of all countries have remained at stake since the launch of the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran.
“In these five months, we have seen the US military presence in the region and its use of the territory and facilities of the Persian Gulf countries have led to increased insecurity and instability for all regional states,” he emphasized.
Appreciating efforts by some countries to stop the volatile situation from escalating further, Baqaei noted that what had, in fact, prevented the enemy from more evil action was Iran’s authority and deterrence
Pakistan main mediator between Iran and US
Baghaei also addressed some media claims about China’s mediation between Iran and the US on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Pakistan remains the main mediator in the discussions related to the two sides, and Qatar also helps in cases where necessary.
He said that China is not a mediator, but as a close friend of Iran, it has been helping, like others, to prevent the situation from escalating in the Persian Gulf region. Beijing is concerned about the US destructive and belligerent unilateralism, he continued.
Source: IRNA