Speaking in his weekly press conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani briefed on the latest Iranian foreign policy developments and answered a number of questions put forward by the journalists.
Iraq's stability and security important to the region
Speaking about the recent developments in Iraq and the storming of supporters of the Sadrist Movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr to the parliament building on Saturday, Kan'ani said, "Iraq is our big and important neighboring country. We monitor Iraq's developments closely, and with concern. Iran stresses that Iraq's stability and security are important to the region."
"We consider the current developments, which seem to be caused by internal political differences, to be part of Iraq's internal affairs, and we believe that Iraqi political movements, parties and organizations can deal with the current situation in a peaceful way and with mutual respect within the framework of the country's constitution and legal mechanisms," he added.
Iran's expectations from Taliban about Iran's water right of Helmand not fulfilled yet
Answering a question about the visit of the Iranian Minister of Energy to Afghanistan regarding Iran’s water share in the Helmand River, the spokesman said, "President Raeisi has repeatedly stressed that the diplomatic apparatus must follow Iran's water rights. Helmand River's water rights are a vital issue to us, and the Afghanistan interim governing body is tested on its commitments to mutual agreements."
"Iran Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian discussed Helmand River's water rights with the acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, stressing that with recent rains, it is expected the Taliban interim governing body would adhere to the Iran-Afghanistan Water rights agreement," Kan'ani added, saying that Iran's expectations from Taliban have not been fulfilled yet.
Iran seeking comprehensive, lasting, strong deal
The foreign ministry spokesperson also pointed to the Vienna talks, saying, "I need to reiterate that Iran has always been creative in the JCPOA revival negotiations. We are seeking a comprehensive, lasting, and strong deal. The latest developments include the serious exchange of messages. Mr. Borrell's text is based on the previous negotiations. Iran has offered its views as well. Other countries are making efforts to bring views closer together."
"We welcome any initiative in this regard. Tehran has shown the necessary flexibility. After reviewing the EU-proposed text, we reached the conclusion to determine the timing for a new round of talks," Kan'ani said, adding, "We remain optimistic, and we hope the other side would show up with seriousness."
"US imposed unnecessary costs on Iran by withdrawing from JCPOA. Iran acted responsibly in this regard. We expect the US government to act responsibly and return to the 2015 nuclear deal," the Iranian diplomat noted. "Our talks with the US in all topics are indirect, whether regarding prisoner swap, or the nuclear talks."
Iran asks Taliban to brief its border guards about borderline territory
Elsewhere in his remarks, Kan'ani spoke about the recent clashes that broke out between Iran border guards and Taliban forces, saying, "The recent border clashes between Iran and Afghanistan is viewed in reference to the unawareness of the Taliban border guards regarding the borderline territory. We demand the interim governing body of Afghanistan brief the border guards."
Iran ready to provide fuel to Lebanon
"As Lebanon's friend and neighbor, we are more than ready to provide fuel to Beirut, provided an official request is made to us. Lebanon's energy crisis is due to the Western crisis," said Kan'ani regarding the fuel supply to Lebanon by Iran.
Iran supports continuation of ceasefire in Yemen
Speaking about the latest developments in Yemen, Kan'ani said, "Yemen war could have been avoided. Ceasefire in Yemen can begin the political dialogue to resolve the crisis, but it's not enough. Yemen blockade must be lifted. We support the continuation of the ceasefire in Yemen, and we stress complementary steps must be taken in this regard."
Look East policy part of Iran's balanced, dynamic foreign policy
The Iranian diplomat also spoke about Iran's foreign policy, saying, "Look East policy is part of Iran's balanced and dynamic foreign policy. During the past year, we have witnessed outstanding achievements in our relations with the East."
"We do not seek to make coalitions, and we have a comprehensive overview to both the East and the West. Iran pursues and is serious about the development of relations with any country in any field that is based on interest."
Iran not involved in initiatives contributing to military action in Ukraine
"Iran does not and will not support either side against the other," he said, "We will not take part in any initiative that aggravates hostilities [in Ukraine]", Kana'ni said.
According to the diplomat, "Iran's choice is peace and support for resolving this crisis, and all Tehran's efforts are made in this direction."
"We are ready to play a role in putting an end to this crisis," he added.
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