Tehran, SAEDNEWS: In reaction to the latest developments in Afghanistan, Khatibzadeh said that they are closely observing the developments and are in contact with all parties.
Pointing to the historical, civilizational, and cultural commonalities between Iran and Afghanistan, he stressed that Iran will be with the people of Afghanistan as always and will do its best to achieve peace and tranquility in this country.
While expressing concern over the escalation of violence in the Afghan environment, he highlighted that the Islamic Republic of Iran invites all parties to reduce violence, maintain calm, and strive for peaceful solutions through dialogue.
The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly hopes that the lives, property, and honor of all individuals, especially unarmed civilians, during the recent rapid developments in Afghanistan will be protected from any aggression and that all parties will show restraint and foresight in this regard and not allow the geography of Afghanistan to be used by violent groups, he noted.
He further noted that all diplomatic missions in Afghanistan need to be protected in accordance with international rules, saying that the Iranian foreign ministry is in constant contact with the diplomatic staff at its embassies and consulates in Kabul and Herat, and is constantly monitoring developments.
The recent escalation of violence and chaos has led to a new wave of displaced people from Afghanistan, according to the Iranian spokesman, calling on the international community to seriously pay attention to the new fluxes of displaced Afghans amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that all parties will resolve the existing problems through dialogue and political dialogue, he said, adding that Iran reiterates its readiness to facilitate the resolution of the Afghan question through intra-Afghan, Afghan-owned dialogue, as well as to contribute to a regional consensus on Afghanistan.
Khatibzadeh went on to say that Iran welcomes the peaceful transfer of power through a governing council consisting of Afghanistan's great and prominent leaders.
The spokesman also pointed to the recent fuel tanker in northern Lebanon, expressing sympathy with the families of the killed and injured people in the incident.
In response to a question about new the US Treasury Department sanctions against some individuals and institutions claiming to be involved in Iran's oil sales, the spokesperson said that it is clear that the US sanctions policy against Iran is a failed and ineffective policy and only indicates Washington's addiction to sanctions.
Referring to the news in the media that the US is considering alternatives to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Khatibzadeh said that all countries, including Iran, have their own alternatives. So far, negotiations in Vienna have been based on the need to fulfill US commitments under the JCPOA and to lift sanctions entirely and practically. If this is achieved, Washington could return to the JCPOA, otherwise, the US would still remain behind the JCPOA.
Pointing to Iran's policy In the region, the spokesman noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to emphasize its principled policy of maintaining peace and stability in the region and the need for intra-regional cooperation, and sees the presence of foreign forces in the region as the main and enduring cause of crises and instability in the region.
Elsewhere, the spokesman noted that Iran has received an invitation from Iraq to attend a previously announced summit in Baghdad.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported and will support peace and stability in Iraq and the political process in this country, he said.
Referring to the Iran-Saudi talks, Khatibzadeh said that there have already been talks between the two states and there is no obstacle to the continuation of these talks. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized dialogue to reduce tension and increase cooperation.
Regarding the UAE's statement on maritime security, Khatibzadeh said that the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to maintaining and protecting energy security and welcomes any regional measures to increase stability and security in the Waters of the Persian Gulf, but insists that security is provided in the comprehensive and collective cooperation of countries in the region, adding that any interference and presence of foreign actors is not only not helping in increasing security but also it increases the instability of the region's waters.
The source of the insecurities in The Persian Gulf's waters is due to the presence of foreign forces who are insecure energy transmission lines for political purposes, he said.
He added that the stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this regard is clear and they hope that the countries of the region understand this reality and strive for peace with the cooperation of all neighbors.
He also pointed out that the Japanese foreign minister will pay a visit to Tehran in the coming week (Source: IRNA).
Afghans Must Decide Own Fate without Foreign Interference: Iran’s President Raeisi
