WANA (Jan 15) – Today on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani addressed the possibility of dialogue with the United States, stating that any decision to negotiate or not would be based on the principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency, as instructed by Iran’s leadership. She emphasized that the government would always prioritize preserving the dignity and honor of the Iranian people.

 

Regarding the Iran-Russia cooperation agreement, Mohajerani explained that this initiative had started during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, dating back nearly two decades. She clarified that the agreement was automatically renewed every 10 years, but during President Hassan Rouhani’s tenure, it was revisited and evolved into an updated treaty.

 

Mohajerani noted that the agreement was negotiated under President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration and would be signed during President Massoud Pezeshkian’s tenure. She stressed that the agreement aligns with global objectives and conventional international standards, creating a balanced approach to international relations.

 

She further added that the agreement is comprehensive, adhering to international law, and does not limit Iran’s cooperation with any country. It is aimed at expanding infrastructure, enhancing communication, and fostering relations with neighboring countries.

 

Mohajerani also highlighted that one of the key objectives of this agreement would be the development of north-to-south corridors, including facilitating cargo transit from northern to southern Iran. While acknowledging that the benefits of such agreements would take time to materialize, she stressed that signing this memorandum of understanding would be a significant step.

 

On the topic of economic collaboration between Iran and Iraq, Mohajerani expressed confidence that countries with shared historical and economic interests, like Iran and Iraq, are better positioned to focus on economic matters. She referred to the recent visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister as a positive sign of cooperation and expressed hope that, with a balanced approach, mutual benefits could be brought to the people.

 

In response to a question about a recent critical remark by an Iranian parliamentarian regarding the government’s support for the people of Los Angeles and whether there is a contradiction between helping Gaza and Lebanon and assisting Los Angeles, Mohajerani rejected the idea of a contradiction. She explained that international relations operate within a set framework, and there is no inherent conflict in this regard.

 

Mohajerani further explained that while the Iranian government has provided aid to the people of Gaza and Lebanon, it is the Iranian people who have shown tremendous support for those regions. She noted that people have donated their gold and resources to aid Gaza and Lebanon, and the government, within its means, continues to offer assistance.

 

Regarding Los Angeles, Mohajerani clarified that while no direct aid has been provided to the city yet, Iran has expressed its readiness to assist due to the ongoing fires and destruction of natural resources. She concluded, “We all live in the same world, and we must work together to protect it.”