Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized the critical importance Iran places on its neighborhood and border security, particularly along its eastern borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan. He noted that any tensions between these two countries could have a direct impact on Iran as well.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei shared these thoughts during his weekly press briefing, coinciding with a meeting held by Iran to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. This gathering featured senior representatives from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and Russia. Baqaei highlighted that Iran’s nearly 2,000-kilometer shared border with Afghanistan and Pakistan underscores the significance of regional stability. Although Afghanistan was invited to the meeting, it ultimately chose not to attend, a decision Iran respects, Baqaei added.
Baqaei further noted that the participating countries exchanged perspectives on regional developments, including recent border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The aim of the meeting was to foster regional consensus and identify solutions that would enhance security and stability among neighboring countries.
In additional remarks, Baqaei disclosed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is slated to visit Russia and Belarus for what he described as ‘important trips,’ though specific dates were not provided. He also addressed the issue of U.S. interference in West Asian affairs, condemning the ongoing meddling as detrimental to regional stability.
Discussing diplomatic relations, Baqaei mentioned the process of appointing a new Iranian ambassador to Lebanon. He also responded to claims of Iranian interference in Lebanon, stressing Iran’s commitment to upholding Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turning to other regional issues, Baqaei expressed concern over recent developments in Yemen, related to UAE-backed separatist forces. He reiterated Iran’s stance on the need for dialogue among Yemeni parties to ensure the country’s stability and territorial integrity.
Addressing allegations regarding Venezuela, Baqaei dismissed claims of Iranian interference as ‘totally irrelevant.’ He criticized the United States for its history of intervention in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela, and called for respect for international law.
In response to reports of the killing of three Americans in Syria by Daesh terrorists, Baqaei warned of the continued threat of terrorism in the region, exacerbated by the actions of Israel and the United States. He emphasized the need for regional stability and security in Syria.
On a diplomatic note, Baqaei highlighted President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visits to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan as pivotal, noting the signing of numerous agreements and participation in high-level regional meetings.
Finally, Baqaei addressed the UN secretary-general’s visit to Iraq, marking the end of the UNAMI mission. He affirmed Iran’s respect for Iraq’s decisions as a sovereign state and expressed hope for Iraq’s positive engagement with international bodies. Baqaei also commented on a report regarding Israeli soldiers’ suicide attempts, attributing these acts to the extreme conditions faced by the soldiers.