Iran warns of ‘strong’ response to any ceasefire violation, vows closer defense ties with Pakistan

Iran’s acting defense minister, Brigadier General Majid Ibn Reza, says any violation of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the United States would trigger a "necessary and strong" response from Tehran.

Ibn Reza made the remarks in a Friday meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is in Tehran to attend the funeral of martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.  

Despite Iran's long experience with US lack of commitments, he said, Tehran has signed the memorandum of understanding with Washington at the request of friendly and neighboring countries with the purpose of proving its goodwill.

"However, any violation of the ceasefire will be met with the necessary and strong response of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he added.

The acting minister emphasized that Israel is the root cause of insecurity and crisis in the region, urging Muslim countries to adopt a coordinated approach to counter the common threat.

"The crimes of this regime in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran show that the Muslim world must adopt a common approach through unity and coordination to counter this threat," he said.

Ibn Reza also noted that the presence of foreign forces in the region exacerbates distrust and insecurity, stressing the need for cooperation among regional countries to ensure their own security.

"The recent war once again proved the ineffectiveness of the security system reliant on foreign powers and showed that sustainable security can only be achieved through understanding, cooperation, and synergy among regional countries," he pointed out.

On July 17, Iran and the US signed the 14-point Pakistan-brokered MoU, which calls for a permanent end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as the removal of the naval blockade on Iran within 30 days, and the restoration of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the MoU, the two sides have entered a 60-day negotiation period, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive final agreement.

Pakistan says Tehran talks made ‘encouraging progress’ toward final US-Iran understanding

Pakistan’s military says intensive negotiations in Tehran have led to “encouraging progress” toward a final understanding between Iran and the US.

The acting minister also hailed Pakistan’s principled stance in support of Iran and emphasized the expansion of defense and security cooperation between the two countries, the establishment of regional security mechanism, and joint fight against the Israeli regime’s threats.

"The promotion of defense interactions between the two countries will increase mutual confidence, strengthen the security of shared borders, combat terrorist groups, and reduce grounds for intervention by destructive actors in the region," he explained.

Pointing to strategic relations between Tehran and Islamabad rooted in historical, cultural and religious commonalities, Ibn Reza expressed Iran’s readiness to “open a new chapter of defense, security, and strategic cooperation” with Pakistan.

For his part, Munir expressed condolences over the martyrdom of late Ayatollah Khamenei, military commanders and civilians, and voiced solidarity with the Iranian people.

He also described defense cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad as steadily expanding and said both sides were determined to further strengthen military ties.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir