Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized the recent joint statement issued by the United States and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, describing it as a 'distortion of truth' and a stubborn persistence in repeating past mistakes.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressed concerns over the statement on his X account. He argued that Iran is more concerned about regional security than any other party. Baqaei described the PGCC's reliance on what he called the "biggest violator of security" as contradictory and a sign of failure to learn from past experiences.

Baqaei questioned actions taken by Iran's southern neighbors, asking why they violated principles of good neighborliness and international law by aligning with aggressive actions against Iran. He criticized their use of territory against Iran and their involvement in missile launches, as well as their participation in an arms race involving the purchase of advanced weaponry without defensive justification.

He further questioned the silence over the actions of the Zionist regime against regional countries and its occupation of Palestinian and Lebanese territories. Baqaei highlighted the lack of international supervision over the regime's nuclear arsenal while criticizing the label of Iran's conventional defense capabilities as a threat, despite Iran being a frequent target of aggression.

The spokesperson emphasized that Iran's military capabilities are designed to ensure legitimate self-defense and contribute to regional peace and stability. Baqaei concluded by asserting that Iran's national security and dignity are non-negotiable and that the tools for self-defense can never be compromised with any party.