Istanbul: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated Tuesday that if the US is genuinely committed to diplomacy, it must seize the opportunity and demonstrate 'minimum good faith.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Baghaei told Iranian state media Press TV that the global community is attentively observing US actions, expecting a constructive approach. He criticized the US for initiating what he described as a 'war of choice' against Iran, noting the global repercussions of this conflict. Baghaei condemned the shifting justifications provided by the US, which initially claimed an 'imminent threat' but later denied this stance while continuing to associate the conflict with Iran's nuclear program. He reaffirmed that Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful, suggesting that contrary claims served as a pretext for an unlawful war.
Baghaei further criticized the UN Security Council for its ineffective response to acts of aggression, arguing that it has failed in its role of maintaining international peace and security. He cited the lack of action in regions such as the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Iran as indicative of structural limitations within the UN system. In such a scenario, Baghaei emphasized the importance of self-reliance, advocating for Iran to sustain strong defensive capabilities to ensure future agreements are respected.
Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei asserted that Iran's measures are lawful and justified under both domestic and international laws. He stated that as a coastal state, Iran has the right to implement actions protecting its national security, especially following the use of regional territories by the US and Israel in the conflict. Baghaei mentioned that Tehran has engaged in discussions with Oman to develop mechanisms ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the strait, stressing that Iran's approach to maintaining navigation while safeguarding security is responsible.
The backdrop of these statements is the heightened tensions following US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to Iranian retaliatory actions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent talks in Islamabad did not yield a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed deadline.