Iran seeks no regional instability, responds to attacks: Pezeshkian
Strait of Hormuz tensions direct result of US destabilizing actions: UN Envoy
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not seek to create instability in the region despite recent attacks on its infrastructure.
In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he affirmed that Iran has responded to attacks by targeting US bases in regional countries, asserting this action is based on the right to self-defense, president.ir reported.
“Iran has not initiated the conflict and has no desire to continue it,” he said.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that New Delhi will exert maximum effort to play a role in diplomacy. He stressed that escalation benefits no party.
The exchange comes as tensions in the region have sharply increased following a joint operation by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28. Iran has retaliated by striking targets in Israel and at US bases in regional countries, maintaining that these strikes are not directed at the host nations but rather at facilities linked to the United States.
No safe passage for hostile countries’ vessels
The conflict has significantly impacted regional stability, particularly affecting oil prices and trade, as well as transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi confirmed in an interview with AFP that Iran has allowed some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz but that countries participating in attacks against Iran should not expect safe passage.
Takht Ravanchi also denied claims by US President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s alleged mining of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We want to ensure that war is not imposed on us again,” Takht Ravanchi added.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, also emphasized Iran’s commitment to the principle of freedom of navigation, but stated that the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, are a direct result of the destabilizing actions of the United States, not Iran’s lawful exercise of its right of self-defense.
Meanwhile, Mohsen Milani, a professor at South Florida University, said in a tweet that Iran is at least twice older that many western states and will withstand such adversities.
“Iran will endure – an ancient and vibrant civilization that has repeatedly survived devastating foreign attacks and risen again,” he stressed.