WANA (May 28) – Ali Bagheri, Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council for Foreign Policy and International Security, said during a visit to Moscow that West Asia would become “the most stable and best region in the world” if the United States withdrew from the region.

 

Speaking in an interview with Russia Today (RT) on the sidelines of the 14th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, Bagheri stated that there are no fundamental problems between Iran and its neighboring countries, arguing that the main source of instability in the region is the presence and influence of the United States and Israel.

 

“If the U.S. and its military bases leave the region and the Zionists no longer play a role in regional affairs, the region will enjoy stability, security, and peace, creating the conditions for development and progress for all countries,” he said.

 

Bagheri also referred to what he described as recent U.S. and Israeli military aggression against Iran, claiming that Washington carried out attacks against Iran while negotiations with Tehran were ongoing and used its regional military bases in the process.

 

Success of Talks Depends on Ending U.S. “Excessive Demands”

Commenting on Iran-U.S. negotiations reportedly mediated by Pakistan, Bagheri said the future of diplomacy depends on Washington abandoning what he called its “excessive demands.”

 

“The path forward can only succeed if the Americans stop pursuing excessive demands,” he stated.

 

Warning Over the Strait of Hormuz

Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Bagheri said Iran would not allow the strategic waterway to be used to threaten the country’s national security.

 

He stated that recent developments demonstrated how the Strait of Hormuz could become a route for threats against Iran, stressing that Tehran has the right to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national security.

 

Bagheri added that Iran is in contact with Oman, the other coastal state bordering the Strait of Hormuz, regarding the issue.

 

“Peace Through Force” Belongs to “an Era of Barbarism”

The Iranian official also criticized U.S. foreign policy, describing Washington’s approach of pursuing “peace through force” as outdated and belonging to “an era of barbarism.”

 

He said Iran believes in achieving peace through dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy, while accusing the United States of relying on military aggression and coercion.

 

Referring to the war in Gaza, Bagheri argued that, from Washington’s perspective, the killing of tens of thousands of people is not considered a threat to peace as long as U.S. and Israeli interests remain protected.

 

Iran Is a “Responsible Actor”

In response to a question about the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Bagheri said the Islamic Republic has consistently demonstrated that, while it is a powerful country, it also acts responsibly on the international stage and defends its sovereignty within the framework of its national interests.

 

Remarks on the Minab School Attack

Bagheri also commented on an alleged attack on a school in Minab, which he claimed killed 168 children, describing the incident as proof that U.S. human rights claims are “completely false.”

 

He said the incident “will neither be forgotten nor forgiven” by the Iranian people.

 

Bagheri traveled to Moscow to attend the 14th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues and has held talks with senior officials from Russia, Iraq, Switzerland, and South Africa during the visit.