WANA (Jun 26) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the joint statement issued by the U.S. Secretary of State and the foreign ministers of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), describing it as “interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative.” The ministry stressed that lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through cooperation among regional states, without external interference.

 

In a statement released on Friday, the ministry dismissed Washington’s claim of its “enduring commitment to the security of PGCC member states” as “mere rhetoric and a distortion of reality.” It argued that the U.S. military presence in the region has not enhanced security but has instead fueled instability, division, and insecurity.

 

The Foreign Ministry also referred to what it described as the U.S. use of military bases and facilities in neighboring countries during attacks against Iran, urging regional governments to reconsider their security cooperation with Washington. According to the statement, neighboring states have a legal obligation under international law and the principle of good neighborliness to prevent third parties from using their territory or facilities to plan, support, or launch military actions against Iran.

 

The statement further rejected allegations regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, calling them a “fabricated falsehood” promoted by the United States and Israel. Tehran urged PGCC member states to support the initiative for a nuclear-weapon-free West Asia instead of aligning with Washington’s position on Iran’s nuclear activities.

 

The ministry also criticized the repeated references to the so-called “threats posed by Iran,” describing the phrase as part of a long-standing campaign of “Iranophobia” promoted by the United States and Israel. It reiterated that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities are defensive in nature and remain non-negotiable, emphasizing that the country will not compromise on its national defense.

 

Tehran also expressed regret over the PGCC’s characterization of Palestinian and Lebanese resistance groups as “Iranian proxies,” arguing that the only true proxy in the region is Israel. The ministry maintained that the Palestinian and Lebanese people’s struggle against occupation and apartheid is legitimate under international law.

 

Addressing maritime security, the Foreign Ministry held the United States, Israel, and countries that it said participated in military operations against Iran responsible for instability in the Strait of Hormuz. It added that navigation through the strategic waterway would continue to be managed in accordance with agreements reached between the two coastal states, Iran and Oman.

 

The statement concluded by calling on PGCC member states to reassess their approach to regional security, insisting that collective security can only be achieved through direct cooperation among regional countries and without foreign intervention.