Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei revealed that recent diplomatic consultations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have centered around strengthening stability and security in West Asia, highlighted by the visit of a senior Saudi official to Iran.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei stated in his weekly press briefing that the Saudi deputy foreign minister’s visit on Sunday was a continuation of a diplomatic process initiated two years ago. He noted that both nations have sustained active bilateral contacts to build momentum in their renewed relations. The discussions encompassed both bilateral ties and regional issues, with a shared concern for countries like Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Baqaei emphasized that Tehran and Riyadh are committed to continuing their diplomatic journey, aimed at fostering trust and understanding among regional nations to achieve common objectives and bolster stability in West Asia.
Baqaei elaborated that the Saudi deputy foreign minister’s trip was a technical response to a prior visit by Iran’s special envoy for Syrian affairs, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani. The discussions were predominantly focused on Syria, with meetings held between the Saudi official and his Iranian counterpart responsible for Syrian affairs. Baqaei highlighted that Iran simultaneously hosted delegations from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, who engaged in talks with Iran’s foreign minister on both bilateral relations and regional developments.
Additionally, Baqaei addressed the United States’ actions, labeling it as the biggest threat to international peace and security due to its hostile behavior towards countries like Venezuela and its continuous support for Israeli actions in Gaza. He criticized US threats against nations across the Western Hemisphere, including Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Mexico.
In response to inquiries about Iran’s foreign minister’s recent visit to France, Baqaei clarified that the trip, conducted at the invitation of the French foreign minister, aimed to discuss bilateral relations, along with regional and international issues. He noted that nuclear discussions are naturally included in conversations with European parties.
Baqaei also commented on Israel’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements, citing UNIFIL spokesperson remarks about 10,000 ceasefire violations since November last year. He expressed skepticism about the prospects for a ceasefire in Lebanon, citing Israel’s consistent pattern of agreement violations.
Regarding Australia’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Baqaei reiterated Iran’s position that the move lacks legal and factual basis, attributing it to false information possibly fed by Zionist regime security services. He emphasized that the decision negatively impacted long-standing diplomatic relations and reduced bilateral ties.
Baqaei further addressed comments from a US Defense Department official regarding global non-proliferation, asserting that the United States poses the greatest challenge to the non-proliferation regime due to double-standard policies, especially its tolerance of Israel. He accused Washington of shielding a regime responsible for genocide and aggression against other nations.
On the topic of joint military drills, Baqaei highlighted the ‘Sahand 2025’ exercise in northwestern Iran, aimed at countering terrorism. He mentioned the participation of five countries, with overall involvement from 13 to 14 countries, showcasing Iran’s commitment to multilateral responses to terrorism.
Baqaei dismissed claims about Iranian nationals’ involvement in Venezuelan political developments, rejecting allegations of refuge offers to Venezuelan officials. He argued that no nation has the right to interfere in another country’s sovereign decisions.
Finally, Baqaei discussed Iran-China rail connectivity, underscoring its significance for Iran and the shared goal of accelerating the route’s operationalization. He noted ongoing discussions between Iranian and Chinese officials, hoping for swift progress.