Araghchi tells Miliband: E3 must be held accountable for failing to take firm stance on war on Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told his British counterpart Ed Miliband that the European troika — Britain, France and Germany — must be held accountable for failing to take a firm position against US-Israeli war on Iran. 

Araghchi made the remarks during a meeting with Miliband on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, where the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

Araghchi described the insecurity in the region and the Strait of Hormuz as a consequence of the US-Israeli military aggression, which he said was carried out with the support and cooperation of some European countries and caused extensive damage to Iran, the region and the wider world.

“The three European countries must be held accountable for following the US’s illegal measures regarding the snapback mechanism, as well as for failing to take a firm position against the US-Israeli military aggression targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities,” Araghchi said.

He also said lasting stability and security in the region depend on ending the occupation of Palestinian territories and ensuring the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, particularly their right to self-determination.

Araghchi called on Britain and other European governments to revise their “destructive and irresponsible” approaches toward Iran and regional developments, stressing that interference in the internal affairs of other countries and the instrumental use of human rights concepts are unacceptable.

The Iranian foreign minister also criticized Britain and other European countries for their continued military and political support for the Israeli regime, saying such support has contributed to the escalation of Israeli crimes against Palestinians and other countries in the region.

He said Britain and other states are obliged under relevant international treaties to pursue the prosecution and punishment of Israeli officials over genocide and war crimes.

On Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, Araghchi stressed Tehran’s readiness to use diplomacy to address issues surrounding its peaceful nuclear activities.

The two ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations and diplomatic and consular issues.

Europe was part of the infrastructure of US aggression against Iran: Deputy FM

Kazem Gharibabadi has said that some 5,000 sorties were flown from European bases in support of US military aggression against Iran, proving that Europe formed part of the infrastructure of that aggression.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has repeatedly acknowledged that thousands of US military flights, between 4,000 and 5,000, departed from bases in Europe during the US-Israeli war 40-day on Iran.

Rutte described Europe as a “platform of power projection” without which Washington could not have conducted the operation.

Countries including Italy, Romania, the United Kingdom, France and Germany were cited in connection with the use of bases, airspace, tankers and logistics.

During both wars Iranian armed forces responded with forceful retaliatory strikes against the attacking forces, while maintaining military pressure that contributed to the eventual ceasefire.

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