WANA (Oct 22) – Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, attended a press conference in Kuwait on Tuesday, where he conveyed Iran’s message to neighboring countries. He stated: “Our message is clear and straightforward. The Israeli regime is seeking to expand the war in the region, and we must prevent this disaster from happening.”

 

Araghchi added, “The situation in Gaza and Lebanon is critical, and the Israeli regime’s attacks must be stopped.”

 

He emphasized that the policy of good neighborliness will continue strongly under the new government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. “These are the three messages I have delivered to the countries of the region, and I will elaborate further on this issue here in Kuwait,” he said.

 

In response to a question about the use of neighboring countries’ bases for attacks against Iran, Araghchi stated: “All of our neighbors have assured us that they will not allow their land or airspace to be used against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned, “This is the expectation we have from all friendly and neighboring countries, and we see it as a sign of their friendship and sincerity toward Iran. We closely monitor the movements of U.S. bases in the region and track all their activities and flights. We will share the information we have regarding the U.S. base in Kuwait with the authorities of that country.”

 

Regarding efforts to stop the war in Lebanon and Gaza, Araghchi said: “We are pursuing a comprehensive cessation of war throughout the region, both in Gaza and Lebanon. Different paths may be taken for each, but we will follow all these routes and remain in contact with the countries active in this matter. My special envoy is based in Beirut and meets daily with relevant parties.”

 

Araghchi stressed that the decision regarding a ceasefire rests with the Palestinians and Lebanese, adding: “We are merely trying to help and support.”

 

Concerning the development of relations between Iran and Kuwait, as well as the Arash gas field, he noted: “Although the focus of my trip is regional issues, we will naturally review bilateral relations. There are numerous opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries, and sanctions will not be an obstacle. Our trade relations with the Gulf countries amount to tens of billions. I won’t cite specific figures, but this is a reality, and the economic potential between Iran and Kuwait is vast. We share many commonalities, and like any two neighboring countries, we have some differences. The important thing is that both we and Kuwait are determined to resolve these differences peacefully and through dialogue, and we will continue on this path.”

 

Responding to a question about the stance of Arab countries in urging the U.S. to prevent Israeli aggression against Iran, Araghchi said: “All regional countries have told us they oppose any attack on Iran, let alone an attack on nuclear facilities, which is a violation of international law and a war crime.”

 

Araghchi again warned: “I emphasize that if Israel attacks Iran in any way, Iran will respond in kind.”

 

Regarding Tehran’s preparedness for an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Araghchi said: “There is no crime that Israel has not committed, and unfortunately, with the support of the U.S. and some European countries, it continues these crimes, some of which are war crimes and can be prosecuted in international forums.”

 

He continued: “Attacking nuclear facilities is a major international crime, and even threatening them is a violation of international law. We know that Israel does not adhere to any international rules, so we do not rely on international laws to restrain Israel. We respect these laws, but we are not under the illusion that they will stop Israel.”

 

In conclusion, he said: “We have our own tools and methods to defend ourselves and our nuclear facilities, and we rely on them. If our infrastructure is attacked, the Israeli enemy knows what actions we are capable of taking in response.”