Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement does not pose any threat to Iran.
Speaking to the media, Baghaei stated that Iran has always spoken in favor of peace. He added that Tehran will not hold any talks with the United States as long as violations of the agreement continue. He said that positive negotiations were held between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei noted that if there is no interference by a third party, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened. He blamed the United States for instability in the Middle East. Baghaei also said that despite the agreement, Israel continued bombing in Gaza.
He accused Israel of spreading provocation in the region and reiterated that Iran will continue to support Palestine. Referring to regional security, the spokesperson said that countries in the region have realized that security cannot be bought with lies. He added that a comprehensive plan that considers the geographical and historical realities of the region and accurately identifies threats could help promote regional security and prevent instability and alleged aggression by the “Zionist enemy and its allies.
“Baghaei paid tribute to journalists martyred in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, saying that many journalists had been killed in the past two years while performing their duties. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had also said that talks with the US would not take place until the interim agreement was no longer being violated. According to Iranian media, Araghchi said that an agreement between Tehran and Muscat was in its final stages. However, he added that despite the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz would not be immediately reopened for maritime traffic.
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