FM spox: Anti-Iran regional adventurism to have ‘contagious’ repercussions
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman warned on Monday that the regional countries must be aware of the consequences of any threats and acts of adventurism against the Islamic Republic.
Esmaeil Baqaei raised the alarm at his weekly press conference in Tehran, following American media reports claiming that Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman (KBS) had said in a private briefing in Washington that if President Donald Trump did not follow through on his threats against Iran, the move would “embolden” the Islamic Republic.
“We have also seen these media reports. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two Muslim countries, and we have had a positive view of our brothers in the region. We believe that the countries of the region are well aware that any insecurity in the region and any threat against Iran will have contagious effects and consequences,” Baqaei said.
“The reason for the efforts of the regional countries in a collective action to prevent escalation of tension is precisely this consensus regarding the dangers inherent in any adventurous action against Iran.”
Stressing that the positions of countries cannot be evaluated solely based on a media report, the spokesman said, “We are in close contact with Saudi Arabia; in just the past few days, both our ambassador in Saudi Arabia and through the Saudi embassy in Tehran, discussions have taken place between our friends in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi officials.”
Pointing to the existing contacts and interactions between Iran and the regional countries, especially Saudi Arabia, Baqaei said, “At the same time, I emphasize that we invite all countries in the region to seriously and carefully consider the regional situation and not allow parties who in no way wish for the good and welfare of the region to exploit the issues raised.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also spoke about the formation of a common understanding among the regional countries with regard to the breakout of new conflicts.
“What we are observing is the formation of a common understanding among the countries in the region regarding a threat that concerns the entire region. The countries in the region have clearly understood that any escalation of tension against the Islamic Republic of Iran will have consequences beyond Iran's geographical borders,” Baqaei said.
“This is the nature and characteristic of any tension, that its effects will be contagious. For this reason, the countries in the region are striving to prevent the escalation of tension and contribute to strengthening peace and security in the West Asia region,” he added.
Tensions between Iran and the United States have hit a new high since the latter brought in what it calls a large “armada” of warships and destroyers to the Persian Gulf region in support of deadly riots prompted by national currency depreciation across Iran.