Tehran Decries US-Israel Hostilities, Cites Hormuz Strait Instability in Talks with Moscow
In a significant diplomatic exchange, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, to discuss pressing regional developments and the security ramifications stemming from what Iran describes as military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic. The call underscored Tehran’s firm stance on defending its sovereignty and its concerns over escalating regional tensions.
Iran’s Unwavering Resolve and Stern Warning
During the call, Foreign Minister Araghchi unequivocally reiterated Iran’s unwavering resolve to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that threats to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure would be considered a clear instance of war crimes and genocide, warning that any such action would be met with a “swift and decisive” response from Iran. This statement signals Tehran’s commitment to protecting its vital national assets.
US-Israel Actions Linked to Hormuz Instability
Addressing the critical issue of maritime security, Araghchi highlighted the direct consequences of what he termed “illegal attacks” by the United States and the Israeli regime on the safety and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He firmly rejected any “unjust accusations” leveled against Iran regarding the strait’s instability, asserting that the prevailing insecurity is a direct outcome of these actions. Araghchi called upon the international community to hold both the U.S. and the Israeli regime accountable for their perceived lawbreaking and “crimes.”
Critique of UN Security Council’s Approach
Araghchi expressed profound regret over the approach of certain countries, including Bahrain, in aligning with U.S. policies to instrumentalize the UN Security Council for exerting pressure on Iran. He criticized the Security Council resolution dated March 11, stating it represented a “blatant distortion of facts” by blaming Iran instead of holding the “aggressors” accountable.
Further, the Iranian Foreign Minister condemned efforts by the U.S. and some of its allies to propose similar resolutions in the Security Council. He urged member states, particularly Russia and China, and other nations that uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international law, to prevent the U.S. from exploiting the Security Council to complicate the situation, especially while allegedly perpetrating actions against Iran.
Russia Reaffirms Support for International Law
In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov once again condemned what he described as “illegal attacks” by the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Acknowledging the strong bilateral relations between Tehran and Moscow, Lavrov underscored Russia’s consistent efforts within international forums to safeguard international law and prevent the erosion of the rule of law in global relations. This reiterated Russia’s commitment to upholding international norms and its support for Iran’s position on these critical issues.
