Iran says Strait of Hormuz talks with Oman constructive, unrelated to US

During his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Baqaei highlighted that negotiations between Iran and Oman are solely between the two neighboring countries, adding that the goal of these talks is to establish mechanisms for safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while respecting Iran’s sovereign rights and national interests. He emphasized that these discussions have nothing to do with the United States.

Baqaei also said that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed due to the aggressive actions of the US, which have created insecurity in the region, confirming that there have been no changes in the status of the strait.

In response to a joint statement from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan regarding Iran’s reprisal attacks, Baqaei described their comments as a distortion of reality. He urged these countries to instead condemn the United States for violating the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Baqaei expressed concern that some regional countries have knowingly aligned themselves with US military aggression against Iran, calling on them to reconsider their stance.

He urged regional countries to prevent the US from misusing their lands and to stop political posturing.

China a strategic partner of Iran with shared concern over US unilateralism

Referring to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Baqaei described China as Iran’s strategic partner, stating that the two countries share mutual interests but also have common concerns about regional and global peace and security, particularly regarding the destructive unilateralism of the United States.

Blacklisting IRGC by Britain a breach of international law

Additionally, the foreign ministry spokesperson condemned Britain’s decision to classify the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a threat to its national security, describing this action as a political maneuver that violates international law and is intended to exert pressure on Iran.

Baqaei highlighted the IRGC’s role in defending Iran and combating Daesh (ISIS) terrorism, asserting that such labeling lacks any legal basis. He affirmed that the Islamic Republic of Iran would take necessary measures to counter this unjust British action./irna