FM Raps US for Encouraging Riots in Iran


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian lashed out at the US and a number of other Western states for instigating riots and terror in Iran by resorting to false information and misusing the international mechanisms.

In a telephone conversation on Friday, the top Iranian diplomat and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres talked about a range of issues.

Outlining Iran’s principled view about the developments in the Ukraine war, Amirabdollahian noted that the root-cause of the conflict lies in the NATO’s flawed policy of eastward expansion.

He also denied as baseless the claim that Iran has sent weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict, stressing that such allegations are aimed at legitimizing Western arms supplies to Ukraine.

The foreign minister said those who level such accusations against Iran are the ones responsible for the outbreak and the continuation of the Ukraine war, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.

Amirabdollahian then reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to arms sales to the warring sides in the conflict, saying it would cause deaths and material damage to both parties.

The foreign minister underlined that Iran will continue relentless efforts to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine and restore lasting peace to Europe.

Amirabdollahian further pointed to the developments in Iran and explained how the US and a few Western governments had encouraged riots and terrorism in Iran with the use of wrong information and targeted abuse of international mechanisms.

He stressed that Tehran believes that diplomacy and dialogue are the best options, underscoring that the Islamic Republic in not unable to resort to other options.

The UN chief, for his part, stressed that he will continue efforts toward regional dialogue and appreciated Iran’s support and constructive role to that end.

Guterres also expressed hope that Tehran’s efforts to end the Ukraine war would lead to the establishment of a ceasefire and the solution of the problem.

He further described as valuable Iran’s initiative to form a national committee to investigate the events in the Islamic Republic.

The UN secretary general underscored that dialogue and diplomacy are the suitable ways to resolve regional and global disputes and thanked Tehran’s role in helping end the Yemeni crisis through political means. Guterres said it is necessary for Iran to continue to play a role regarding the issue.

The two sides finally discussed the latest state of the sanctions removal talks and the cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency.