U.S. policies far more important than election results: Iran Foreign Ministry

November 11, 2024 - 21:55

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the U.S.'s actions regarding West Asia and the Israeli regime’s violence in Gaza and Lebanon are of greater concern to Iran than the outcome of American elections.

Speaking at the weekly press conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei highlighted Iran's concerns over Washington's ongoing support for Israel and its adversarial stance toward Tehran.

“What matters to us in this region is the United States' actual behavior and policies regarding Iran and the broader West Asia,” Baqaei stated, stressing that the U.S. has consistently pursued hostile actions against Iran over the past four years.

Baqaei pointed out that the U.S. has repeatedly blocked international resolutions against Israel, providing ongoing military support that, he claimed, enables Israeli crimes. "The continuation and escalation of the Zionist regime’s crimes are primarily due to U.S. support, including arms supplies and vetoes against any action in international forums," he said.

As the U.S. undergoes a change in leadership, Baqaei expressed cautious optimism that the new administration might adopt a more peace-oriented approach, reduce regional hostilities, and uphold its commitments.

Iran rebukes claims of assassination plot

Baqaei also addressed recent allegations from the U.S. that Iran was involved in plots to assassinate American officials, including President-elect Donald Trump. He dismissed these claims as baseless, describing them as attempts to strain future diplomatic relations.

“This is nothing more than an attempt to sabotage relations between the two countries, laying traps to complicate the path for the next administration,” Baqaei commented. He called for "respect" in diplomacy, underscoring that true respect in international relations is grounded in adherence to established laws.

'Tehran committed to fulfill its obligations to IAEA'

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also announced that Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will visit Tehran this week as part of continued cooperation between Iran and the IAEA. 

Iran, a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA, maintains a nuclear program for peaceful purposes, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Baqaei noted that Grossi's visit comes within a specific framework, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under IAEA guidelines. “We expect the IAEA to uphold its independent, professional, and non-political approach, which would further strengthen our bilateral relations,” Baqaei remarked.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that nuclear weapons have no place in Iran’s defense policy, as affirmed by a religious decree from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful, citing the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a testament to this commitment.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s representative to the IAEA, confirmed in an X post that Grossi will arrive Wednesday night and meet with top Iranian officials, including the president, foreign minister, and head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). 

‘Germany’s measures are impacting Iranian citizens’

Turning to recent developments in Europe, Baghaei criticized Germany for closing Iranian diplomatic missions following the death of a German-Iranian convicted terrorist. 

He argued that this decision unfairly impacts Iranian citizens in Germany by denying them consular services, though he noted that some Iranian offices in Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich are still able to provide assistance.

He also commented on Germany’s support for the Zionist regime and its approval of a plan to fight anti-Semitism across the country.

 ‘Newest technology in service of Israel’s war crimes’

Baghaei accused Israel of using advanced science and technology to perpetuate a genocide against Palestinians, noting it a clear example of a war crime. 

“The region witnessed a continuation of aggression in Gaza and Lebanon last week,” he remarked, affirming Iran’s solidarity with Lebanon in resisting Israeli hostilities.

‘OIC and Arab League summit is a platform for action’

Finally, Baghaei highlighted the upcoming emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, hosted in Riyadh, as an important platform for discussing Israeli crimes. 

“The OIC has considerable influence to mobilize the international community against the dangers posed by the Israeli regime’s ongoing actions,” he stated, adding that Iran hopes the summit will lead to concerted international opposition to Israel’s policies in Gaza and Lebanon.

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