TEHRAN – Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, criticized Israel's actions during recent ceasefire negotiations, asserting that the regime is on the verge of defeat, not victory, due to its continued crimes and excessive demands.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Monday, Kanaani condemned Israel as a “cancerous tumor” and the core of regional instability, highlighting global outrage over the regime’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Kanaani reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, stating that Iran’s backing is based on legal, moral, and humanitarian grounds.

He dismissed Israel’s efforts to link incidents to Iran as baseless rhetoric, aimed at distracting from its own atrocities. The spokesperson also denounced Israel's recent military strikes on northwestern Syria, which targeted sites with missiles and drones, as further evidence that its aggression extends beyond Gaza. 

"The regime’s attacks on regional countries show that its crimes are not confined to Gaza," he said, urging Israel’s allies to cease their support and calling for international condemnation of Tel Aviv’s actions.

The recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria, according to Syrian media, left at least 14 people dead in Hama, with several others critically injured. Syria’s Defense Ministry reported that some incoming missiles were intercepted by the country's air defense system.

Kanaani also referenced a recent incident involving a Jordanian truck driver who shot and killed three Israelis at a border crossing. He characterized Israel as the "absolute evil regime" in the region and suggested that the regime’s violent policies have led to a growing "human awakening."

‘Strengthening ties with Eastern nations remains Iran’s priority’

Kanaani also discussed Iran’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing the expansion of relations with Eastern and Asian countries. He noted that Iran's new administration remains committed to implementing previous agreements and seeking new opportunities for cooperation with partners like China and Russia. 

The spokesperson stressed that strengthening ties with Eastern countries does not mean neglecting potential partnerships with other nations that seek friendly relations with Iran.

“Iran is located in a complex region, and we see regional cooperation as the best way to resolve misunderstandings,” Kanaani stated, reiterating Iran’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.

‘Iran opposes border changes and supports peace in the south Caucasus’

Turning to regional matters, Kanaani warned against foreign attempts to destabilize the region through geopolitical shifts. 

He expressed Iran's firm opposition to any moves aimed at altering borders, particularly between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He further reiterated Iran's support for the 3+3 cooperation mechanism, which involves regional actors working together to ensure peace and stability in the South Caucasus. 

"Iran supports sustainable peace in the South Caucasus, which can contribute to lasting peace throughout the region," he added.

‘Prospects for a new nuclear agreement looks promising’

On the subject of nuclear diplomacy, Kanaani reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to negotiate a new agreement with the West to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). 

He expressed regret that European signatories had obstructed diplomatic efforts, but remained optimistic about the possibility of future talks if all parties return to their commitments. "We believe there is still a diplomatic opportunity for the parties, and we remain hopeful for future diplomatic efforts," Kanaani said.

‘Zionist regime continues to deepen instability in region’

In response to a question regarding how Iran’s firm stance on the Israel war on Gaza might affect its relations with the European Union, Kanaani suggested that while countries may have differences of opinion, it is possible to resume cooperation if the EU demonstrates a genuine intention to engage. 

He also reiterated Iran's view that the existence of the Zionist regime continues to deepen instability in the region, emphasizing that Iran holds clear and principled positions on the Palestinian issue.

‘Iran not involved in Ukraine war’

Lastly, Kanaani addressed accusations regarding Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine war, denying any participation and asserting that Iran supports a political approach to resolving the conflict. 

"It is unfortunate that some parties looking for conflict are leveling accusations against Iran. We are not part of the war and believe in a political solution to end it," he concluded.