Earlier this month, Japan’s Kyodo news agency quoted a western diplomatic source as saying that Iran had stationed defense staff in North Korea since October to strengthen cooperation in missile and nuclear development. 

 

Speaking during his regular press briefing in Tehran on Thursday, Mehmanparast said, “Bilateral relations between Iran and North Korea were established in all areas after the victory of the Islamic Revolution (in 1979) and during the imposed war (Iran-Iraq 1980-1988 war), military cooperation was established, and after that political and humanitarian cooperation continued, and the cooperation is currently along those lines. What is being said about missile and nuclear cooperation between Iran and North Korea is completely baseless.”  

 

Pakistani president’s trip to Iran has been delayed    

 

During the press briefing, Mehmanparast also commented on the fact that a planned visit to Tehran by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to seal a $1.5 billion gas pipeline deal was unexpectedly canceled on Friday amid mounting U.S. objections to the contract. 

 

On December 4, Pakistani presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar confirmed to IRNA that Zardari would visit Iran on December 7 for talks on bilateral and regional issues, according to the Nation. 

 

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman stated, “Actually, the Pakistani president’s trip to Iran has been delayed. And the fact that certain countries are making efforts to undermine Iran’s relations with other countries through the exertion of pressure is nothing new. However, various countries make decisions based on their own interests and the era in which a country could impose its opinion (on another country) from kilometers away has come to an end, and this is not possible at all, particularly in regard to Iran and Pakistan that have great potential for cooperation.” 

 

Hamas office in Tehran has not been closed   

 

Asked about rumors that Hamas’ office in Tehran has been closed, Mehmanparast said that supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle against the Zionist regime is one of the main policies of the Islamic Republic. 

 

Iran’s relationship with groups such as Hamas is in the “best” state, he added. 

 

Iran not interfering in Yemen’s affairs 

 

Mehmanparast also replied to a question about the fact that the president of Yemen’s National Security Board, Major General Ali al-Ahmadi, said on Sunday that Iran must stop training and funding Shia Muslim rebels and stop interfering in Yemen’s internal affairs. 

 

The Iranian diplomat noted, “Various claims that are being made are a continuation of previous claims made in Yemen by the country’s former officials. We expect to see a change in attitude with the change of power in Yemen.”

 

He added that the Yemeni people will not allow outsiders to interfere in their country’s affairs.   

 

EP/PA

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