ShareBy Faten Omar & Agencies
KUWAIT: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Tuesday that Iran does not seek war in the region but is prepared for any scenario, adding Iran’s neighbors have pledged they will not allow the use of their “soil or airspace” for any attack as the Zionist entity weighs retaliation for the Islamic republic’s missile strike.
Speaking at a press conference in Kuwait, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is working to curb the escalation in Gaza and Lebanon, advocating for a comprehensive ceasefire. He said Iran is in continuous communication with all concerned countries, stressing that the situations in Gaza and Lebanon are catastrophic and that “Zionist attacks must stop”.
“The Zionist entity has committed heinous crimes, some of which amount to war crimes that must be pursued in international forums,” Araghchi said. He warned of the possibility of a full-scale war, adding: “The conflict could spread across the entire region.”
However, he expressed optimism that regional countries, given their resources and potential, can prevent a broader war.
Araghchi also noted that Iran is closely monitoring US military movements in the region. “We are monitoring closely the movements of American bases in the region and are aware of all their movements and flights,” Araghchi said, adding: “If (the Zionist entity) attacks Iran in any form, Iran will respond in the same format.”
He said Iran’s allies have assured that their territories and airspace will not be used for any attack against the country. “All our neighbors have assured us that they won’t allow their soil or airspace to be used against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he told the press conference, weeks after Iran’s Oct 1 missile attack on the Zionist entity. He stressed regional countries have informed him of their rejection of any aggression against Iran and its nuclear facilities.
When asked about threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities, Araghchi warned: “If Iran’s infrastructure is attacked, the (Zionist) enemy knows very well what the Iranian response will be.” “Attacking nuclear sites is a big international crime; even threatening (to attack) nuclear sites is a crime and against international rights,” he said. “To defend ourselves and our nuclear sites, we have our own tools and methods, and we count on them,” the minister added.
The minister highlighted Iran’s policy of good neighborliness, particularly with Gulf states. He mentioned that two weeks ago, Iranian officials met with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers for the first time. Araghchi also referred to his visit to Bahrain for positive political discussions, noting that Kuwait is the 11th stop on his regional tour that has also taken him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Egypt and Turkey.
“There is mutual understanding and awareness of the need to avoid war,” he said. Araghchi stressed that Iran’s efforts with regional countries aim to promote de-escalation and bring peace and stability to the region. He concluded by emphasizing Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with all neighboring countries, particularly Kuwait, with which he said Iran shares “extremely distinguished ties”.
HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday a letter addressed to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. The message, delivered at Bayan Palace by Araghchi, focused on bilateral relations between Kuwait and Iran, as well as ways to enhance and expand cooperation across various fields. The communication also touched on recent regional and international developments.
Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya met Tuesday with Araghchi on the occasion of his official visit to the country. During the meeting, bilateral ties between the two friendly countries, boosting cooperation and the latest regional and global developments were discussed.
