AiBotTehran – In a stern denial of Western allegations, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that the Islamic Republic has never attacked anyone, and its military actions have always been driven by self-defense and the protection of national sovereignty. Speaking to international journalists in Tehran, Amir-Abdollahian refuted claims that Iran has been involved in regional conflicts and aggression, stating that such accusations reflect a fundamental misconception of Iranian foreign policy.
Amir-Abdollahian pointed out that since the 1979 Revolution, Iran has faced relentless external pressure and hostility, with multiple Western-backed coups, assassinations, and economic sanctions. “We have fought for our existence, not for conquest,” the foreign minister underlined, noting that Iran has consistently been a victim of aggression and not a perpetrator. He cited the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which was sparked by Saddam Hussein’s invasion, and the current conflict in Yemen, where Iranian forces have been assisting the Houthi rebels in defending their country against a Saudi-led coalition.
The foreign minister criticized Western countries, particularly the US and UK, for perpetuating a narrative that portrays Iran as the aggressor in the region. “This is a gross distortion of the facts,” Amir-Abdollahian stressed, highlighting Iran’s commitment to the principles of non-aggression and neutrality. He expressed concern that such misinformation has contributed to an atmosphere of hostility and mistrust, making it increasingly difficult to resolve regional conflicts through diplomacy.
Iran’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region are evident in its participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with world powers, including the US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia. The 2015 nuclear deal, which was scrapped by the US in 2018, aimed to ensure Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. Despite the ongoing challenges, Amir-Abdollahian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA and its willingness to engage with Western countries in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.
In conclusion, the Iranian Foreign Minister warned against the dangers of spreading misinformation and perpetuating a false narrative about Iran’s intentions. He underscored that a more nuanced understanding of the country’s foreign policy and actions is crucial to resolving regional conflicts and advancing global peace and security.