Iran says principled policy centered on 'Neighbors First’, ties key to security

Iran says it considers boosting relations with its neighbors as a key to mutual security, emphasizing that the country’s principled policy is 'Neighbors First.' 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani made the remarks during a weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, as he marked National Persian Gulf Day.

“The Persian Gulf, by this very name, is not a geographical body of water but part of the shared historical and cultural identity of the region,” he said.

“Iran considers strengthening relations based on the neighborliness policy as the most important factor to achieve mutual security. Iran’s principled policy puts neighbors first.”

Persian Gulf, important part of undeniable identity of Iran, region: Amir-Abdollahian

The Iranian foreign minister says the Persian Gulf is an important part of the undeniable identity of Iran and the region.

Iran thanks Saudi Arabia for cooperation in evacuating citizens from Sudan

Touching on the recent Iran-Saudi rapprochement, the spokesman said that the two countries are at the initial stage of resuming bilateral ties and the reopening of embassies, noting that three Iranian diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah have already started their activities.

He also expressed Tehran’s gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its cooperation in transferring 65 Iranian citizens who had been evacuated from Sudan.

“By the way, in these initial steps of diplomatic activities, we saw good coordination between the two countries regarding a humanitarian issue. The tragic events we are witnessing in Sudan created opportunities for humanitarian measures. The transfer of 65 Iranian citizens from Sudan was a positive event that took place in the shadow of Saudi authorities’ cooperation with Iran. I must thank Saudi authorities for their valuable cooperation. It was really a very complicated issue,” he said.

‘No detailed info’ about arrest of Azeri extremists

Asked about the latest reports on the arrest of leaders of Azeri extremist groups in Iran, Kan’ani said he has no detailed information on the issue, adding that imprecise issues should not be raised, and relevant authorities will provide information.

“The news being circulated is sometimes not accurate or has special motives behind it. I do not have detailed information in this regard. In general, however, any person – Iranian or foreigner – who commits a violation and breaches the law will naturally face action by relevant authorities, with no exceptions,” he said.

US ‘bad faith’ hindered prisoner swap with Iran

Commenting on the exchange of prisoners with the United States, Kan’ani said that the process did not go well due to Washington acting in bad faith.

“The process has continued for a long time through a third party. Unfortunately, it did not go well due to the US’s bad faith. We consider it a human issue and hope to see practical action on the opposite side.”

Path of dialogue will not remain open forever: Kan’ani

The Iranian diplomat also said the fact that negotiations are not held currently to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal does not mean the stagnation or cessation of diplomatic efforts.

“The path of diplomacy is still open and the exchange of messages continues. I emphasize that Iran is ready to conclude the talks while observing its red lines, but the path of dialogue will not remain open forever,” he said.

He further complained that the European countries, specifically the European signatories to the US-abandoned Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have adhered to Washington’s “wrong policy” regarding their ties with Iran.

“Relations should always be based on mutual respect and interest. Looking at things from a higher position, imposing specific political values, and making bilateral relations conditional on certain issues is wrong, and Europe has acted in the same way,” he added.

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