‘Iran not blockadable’: Tehran says all ‘means of pressure’ will fail

Iran is “not blockadable,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman says, rejecting the US attempt to impose a naval blockade on the country, while warning that it violates the fragile ceasefire and could trigger a proportional response from Iranian armed forces.

Esmail Baghaei was responding to recent American announcements that Washington has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports and disrupted the country’s maritime trade.

He dismissed the feasibility of any such effort.

“Firstly, Iran is not blockadable,” the spokesman said. “Secondly, if you fail to reach a result through a diplomatic process, resorting to other means of pressure will certainly not lead to any result and you will not succeed.”

He added that the US move is a provocative act, contrary to the principles of international law, and has no legal legitimacy. “This US action could be considered a prelude to violating the ceasefire,” he warned.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran and its armed forces are carefully monitoring developments and will respond proportionally wherever necessary.”

Strait of Hormuz security assured with regional help

The spokesman also addressed European proposals for an international coalition, potentially under UN auspices, to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including mine-sweeping operations.

“The security of the Strait of Hormuz has been ensured by Iran for decades. Iran has been the guardian of this waterway’s security,” he said.

“The only reason security and safety in this waterway were disrupted during the past 40 days was the US-Zionist-imposed war.”

He rejected foreign intervention, saying any move or interference in regional affairs would only complicate the situation further.

“We are glad that many European countries have the wisdom not to fall into the trap laid by the US and the Zionist regime.”

He stressed that Iran, as a coastal state and with the help of regional countries, is fully capable of providing security for the strait, provided that American aggression and interference in the region come to an end.

Neighbors’ role in aggression documented

Asked about Persian Gulf states that allowed the use of their infrastructure for attacks on Iran, the spokesman said Tehran has documented all cases.

“We consider any use of these countries’ facilities or territory for aggression against Iran, whether missile launches, drone launches, refueling or any logistical support, as part of the US-Zionist military aggression.”

He said any assistance to aggressor nations entails international responsibility for the assisting countries.

“This is an accepted principle in international law, clearly stated in the UN General Assembly’s Definition of Aggression resolution and affirmed by general principles of international law.”

“All cases we have been informed of have been documented by the armed forces and are being pursued seriously.”

He warned that countries involved in such assistance will be held accountable.

US presence fuels insecurity

The spokesman painted a bright outlook for Iran’s relations with regional countries, provided that all parties learn from recent events.

“The first lesson is that US military presence in the region fuels insecurity and does not create security.”

“Second, regional security will only be achieved through cooperation and collaboration among regional countries.”

“Third, regional countries must not allow the Zionist regime and the US to use their facilities, territory and capacities for aggressive actions against another country.”

He expressed hope that regional governments would end any unintentional or intentional provision of facilities for US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

“Relations between Iran and regional countries must be based on good neighborliness, friendship and respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Iran will not accept US dictates

Turning to the ongoing Iran-US talks mediated by Pakistan, the spokesman dismissed any notion that Tehran would accept American conditions.

“We are not entering negotiations to accept US conditions. Our criterion is the interests and rights of the Iranian nation.”

“If negotiations are based on one side imposing conditions on the other, that is not negotiation; that is dictation and imposition. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian nation will never accept such imposition.”

He said Washington’s expectation that Iran would unconditionally accept its proposals is unrealistic and incompatible with the logic of negotiations.

“No date has been set for the next round of talks,” he added, noting that the nuclear issue remains the most significant point of disagreement between the two sides.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir