Araghchi presses neighbors, Europe on Iran’s security concerns at UN

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has used a series of meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to press Iran’s security concerns, emphasizing border security with Iraq and warning regional and European countries against allowing their territory or facilities to be used for actions against Iran.

Araghchi held separate talks with his Iraqi, French and Dutch counterparts on Tuesday as he discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and the wider US and Israeli war against Iran.

In his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the two sides stressed the importance of safeguarding security along their shared border, implementing agreements reached in this regard and taking effective measures against terrorist activities.

The two ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including economic, trade, consular and security affairs, and emphasized the need to continue efforts to expand relations between the two neighboring countries in areas of mutual interest.

Border security was a particular focus of the talks, with both sides underlining the importance of implementing existing agreements and confronting terrorist activities effectively.

Araghchi also briefed Hussein on the latest developments concerning shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including an understanding reached between Iran and Oman on establishing safe routes for commercial shipping.

The Iranian foreign minister said the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is solely the result of aggressive actions by the United States and Israel. He said that restoring security to the strategic waterway requires an end to US actions that are creating insecurity.

Araghchi also stressed the need for all countries in the region to adhere to the principle of good-neighborliness, particularly by preventing parties Iran considers aggressors from using their territory and facilities to plan or carry out unlawful and aggressive actions against Iran.

He emphasized that Iran remains determined to defend its sovereignty and national interests.

Araghchi criticizes France over Iran policy

Araghchi separately met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, with the two officials discussing Iran-France diplomatic relations as well as regional and international developments.

Araghchi criticized France’s interventionist positions toward Iran and stressed the need for the French Embassy in Tehran to respect Iran’s domestic laws and regulations.

He also described France’s position on regional developments, particularly its response to US and Israeli military actions against Iran, as unacceptable.

Turning to human rights, Araghchi criticized France for applying double standards.

“France cannot claim to be concerned about human rights while remaining silent over the crimes against humanity committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against the Iranian people, including the killing of Iranian women and children,” he said.

He criticized Paris for cooperating in the implementation of illegal US sanctions against Iran.

Araghchi said Iran seeks relations based on mutual respect and mutual interests with all countries, including France, but will act firmly and decisively to defend its interests and national priorities.

Araghchi urges world to hold US accountable for ‘war crimes’ at UNGA

Foreign Minister Araghchi has warned that global inaction toward recent war crimes committed by the United States and Israel against Iran could have catastrophic consequences for the international community.

Iran FM slams Europe’s double standard toward Iran

In a separate meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Brandson, Araghchi again criticized European countries’ positions toward developments in the region.

He particularly objected to European silence regarding US and Israeli terrorist military actions against Iran.

Araghchi said European countries could not simultaneously claim to support the rule of law and human rights while remaining indifferent to or supporting overt US-Israeli military aggression.

He also referred to Iran’s approach to diplomacy over its nuclear program, saying Tehran has pursued diplomatic efforts to remove US pretexts concerning the nuclear issue.

Araghchi hti out at Washington for repeatedly breaching its commitments and described US warmongering as a major cause of the current insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

“The only way to restore peace and stability to the region is to stop the unlawful and aggressive actions of the United States and respect Iran’s national rights and interests,” he said.

The Dutch foreign minister, for his part, stressed the importance of diplomacy and outlined the Netherlands’ views on ongoing regional developments and engagement between Iran and Europe.

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