WANA (Jun 24) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has sharply criticized recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, arguing that lasting peace in West Asia cannot be achieved as long as Washington continues its interventionist policies and supports ongoing occupation in the region.

 

In a post on X on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei responded to Rubio’s comments regarding Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine, stating that “no one will be deceived by such statements.”

 

Baghaei argued that genuine peace will remain out of reach as long as what he described as U.S. militarism and interference continue in the region. He further claimed that America’s regional ally, which he characterized as an occupying power, continues to wage endless wars with impunity while committing genocide and other grave crimes.

 

Referring to the situation in Palestine, the Iranian spokesperson accused Israel of carrying out acts that undermine regional stability and represent a major obstacle to achieving lasting peace.

Baghaei’s remarks came in response to comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, Rubio sought to separate discussions involving Lebanon and Israel from broader negotiations concerning Iran, arguing that Lebanon is an independent country and should be treated as such.

 

Rubio also stated that concerns over Iran’s missile program and its support for allied regional groups—issues he described as important to countries in the region—would inevitably be raised in related diplomatic discussions.