Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Stresses Realistic Dialogue on Persian Gulf Security / Distinction Must Be Made Between "Iran-Oman Understanding on Safe Passage" and "Reopening or Overall Status of the Strait of Hormuz"

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stressing the need for regional countries to ensure regional security, said recent developments have created a suitable opportunity for regional countries to discuss the future of Persian Gulf security with a more realistic outlook.

In an exclusive interview with Tounsi al-Sharrooq newspaper, Ismail Baqaei answered the newspaper's questions about the developments in the region, the consequences of the aggression of the US and the Zionist regime against Iran, the consultations between Tehran and Muscat on the Strait of Hormuz, the future of Persian Gulf security, Egypt's role in the developments in the region and Iran's readiness to deal with possible aggression again.

The aggression of America and the Zionist regime and its consequences for the region and the world economy

In response to a question about the impact of the current situation on the Persian Gulf region and the global economy, Baqaei stated: The aggression of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran was a clear violation of many standards and rules of international law. From attacking areas and infrastructures to actions against shipping and maritime blockades, all of which are examples of war crimes and violations of all legal, moral and humanitarian standards.

He added: "It is natural that such measures are not only aimed at Iran." When a country targets national sovereignty, commerce, shipping and freedom of navigation, its consequences will affect the entire region and ultimately the global economy and trade.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: What we are witnessing today is the result of aggressive actions and destabilizing policies pursued by the United States and the Zionist regime. The experience of the past five decades has shown that pressure and threats cannot force the Iranian nation to accept illegal demands.

Consultations between Iran and Oman about the Strait of Hormuz

In response to a question about consultations between Iran and Oman to create a new management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei said: Iran and Oman, as the two coastal countries of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, have a special responsibility for the security and safety of shipping in it. During the past decades, Iran has always considered itself committed to ensuring the security and safety of shipping in this region; But in recent months, this waterway and the facilities and territories of the countries in the region were used to design and implement military aggression against Iran, including attacking residential areas and martyring civilians. Therefore, it is natural that this fact cannot be ignored in the future arrangements of the strait.

The recent developments have created a good opportunity for a realistic discussion about the security of the Persian Gulf

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued: Iran and Oman have continued their consultations in the past months to determine safe routes for commercial ships. We have reached an understanding on determining a temporary safe and secure route between the two countries, and some implementation details are still being pursued.

Baqaei pointed out: Of course, a distinction should be made between "the understanding between Iran and Oman regarding the safe traffic route" and "the reopening or the general situation of the Strait of Hormuz"; These two issues are not the same. It is natural that any stable and long-term mechanism for the management and security of the strait should be formed with the participation and agreement of the two coastal countries, i.e. Iran and Oman, and taking into account their sovereignty and security considerations, and the interference of third parties should not disrupt this process.

The security of the region must be ensured by the countries of the region

In response to a question about whether the current developments can bring neighboring countries and members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council closer to Iran's positions against any foreign military presence, Baqaei said: I think the developments of recent months have contained important lessons for all countries in the region. We have always emphasized that the security of the region should be provided by the countries of the region.

He continued: The experience gained in recent months showed that the military presence of foreign powers in the region is the main cause of insecurity in the region.

Emphasizing on Iran's respect for the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of the regional countries, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: Iran has no enmity with the regional countries and Iran's principled policy is based on good neighborliness, development of relations with regional countries in various dimensions and regional cooperation.

Beqaei added: We have emphasized the necessity of forming an intra-regional security arrangement for a long time. It seems that the recent developments have provided a good opportunity for the countries of the region to discuss the future of the security of the Persian Gulf with a more realistic view; A future where the security of the region is provided by the countries of the region themselves and away from the interference of extra-regional powers. Of course, this will not happen overnight; But the breath of dialogue between the countries of the region in this regard and moving towards understanding about regional mechanisms to ensure the security of the region is an important and necessary step.

Egypt's role in bringing the positions of Iran and the countries of the region closer together

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question about the extent of Egypt's influence in bringing the positions of Iran and neighboring countries closer, stated: Egypt is an important and influential country in the Arab world and the region, and we have always emphasized the importance of Egypt's position and role in regional developments.

Beqaei added: Iran-Egypt relations have been growing in recent years, and contacts and consultations between the officials of the two countries, including between the foreign ministers, have been carried out continuously.

Iran's readiness to deal with possible aggression again

In response to a question about Iran's readiness to confront the Zionist-American coalition again, in the context of continued hostilities of the Israeli regime and the intensification of the political and financial crisis in America, Baqaei said: The Islamic Republic of Iran has always shown that it has the strength and will to defend itself against any aggression and threat against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He emphasized: We are determined to use all our capacities and abilities to ward off any evil from the enemies. Especially now that we have the support of the practical and operational experience of three epic defense periods.