Nournews: The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the principled and honorable positions of the government and people of Spain in opposing the military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran and in condemning the war crimes committed against the Iranian people. He stated that Spain’s valuable positions in defending international law and humanitarian values were recognized and praised by the Iranian nation and the international community and would never be forgotten.
Araghchi, while outlining the war crimes committed by the United States and Israel during their 40 days of military aggression against Iran, emphasized the responsibility of all countries to condemn these crimes and to hold the perpetrators accountable and punish them.
He further stressed that Iran, adopting a responsible approach, has responded positively to the good offices of mediators aimed at establishing a ceasefire and halting the war in the Middle East. However, he noted that achieving this objective requires the United States to fulfill its commitments to stop the war and halt Israel’s escalation in Lebanon.
The Spanish Foreign Minister described support for international law, humanitarian values, and opposition to war as fundamental principles of Spain’s foreign policy, stressing that Spain had, from the very beginning, emphasized the illegality of military attacks against Iran.
Expressing satisfaction over the announcement of the ceasefire, the Spanish Foreign Minister underscored the necessity for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and to focus on diplomatic pathways to restore stability and lasting security in the region.
Holding talks to end the war is contingent upon the United States’ adherence to its commitments
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that holding talks to end the war is contingent upon the United States’ adherence to its ceasefire commitments on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, speaking to reporters, strongly condemned the crimes of the Israeli regime in Lebanon. He conveyed the deep condolences of the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the bereaved families of the martyrs and to the people and government of Lebanon, and prayed to God for the swift recovery of the wounded.
Praising the legendary resistance of the Lebanese people against the brutality and hegemonic ambitions of the Israeli regime, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson also expressed appreciation for the highly valuable support and solidarity shown by the Lebanese people toward the Iranian people during the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime. He emphasized that today, solidarity and unity between the peoples of Iran and Lebanon are stronger than at any time in history.
Regarding the ceasefire issue and its connection to Lebanon, Baghaei stressed that halting the war in Lebanon was an inseparable part of the proposed ceasefire understanding put forward by Pakistan, and as the prime minister of that country explicitly stated, the United States had committed to stopping the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Any action or statement contrary to this commitment would constitute a failure by the United States to uphold its obligations.
He stressed that holding any talks would unquestionably be contingent upon ensuring that the United States fulfills its ceasefire commitments on all fronts.
Gharibabadi: Iran opposes any temporary settlement of the war
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that Iran opposes any temporary settlement of the current situation that would lead to the repetition of a cycle of negotiations, war, and ceasefire. He stressed that only the option of a lasting end to the war, holding aggressors accountable, and securing compensation for damages can be considered.
On Thursday, Jean Arnault, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the Middle East, met with Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy for Legal and International Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Gharibabadi described the military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. He criticized the United Nations for failing to condemn the aggression and for not making sufficient efforts to halt it and hold the aggressors accountable.
He stated that the United States and Israel targeted tens of thousands of civilian sites during the war, resulting in the deaths and injuries of thousands of innocent people. Attacks on and destruction of residential homes, hospitals, schools, historical and cultural sites, and infrastructure constitute clear examples of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Unfortunately, he added, these perpetrators have even taken pride in their crimes, including the killing of children, and have openly supported such actions, which he described as the height of brutality and inhumanity.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also criticized countries along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf for allowing the United States to use their territories, including military bases located in those countries, stating that such actions effectively make them complicit in the aggression and carry international responsibility. He described Iran’s actions as defensive in nature and not directed against those countries, adding that foreign presence has proven to be a source of instability and a threat to the security of the region and its states.
Referring to what he described as the failure of Iran’s adversaries and the resilience, resistance, and significant achievements of the Iranian people during what he called the imposed war, Gharibabadi added that Iran strongly opposes any temporary settlement that would repeat the cycle of negotiations, war, and ceasefire. He reiterated that only the option of a sustainable end to the war, holding aggressors accountable, and providing compensation for damages could be subject to consideration.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations stated during the meeting that the UN’s ultimate objective at present is to reach an agreement and achieve a sustainable resolution that addresses all aspects of the crisis.
Jean Arnault added that his responsibility as Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General is to address the root causes of the crisis that led to the current situation.
Nournews