Iran: Consultations continue with Pakistan and Qatar

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi answered the questions of the press members at the weekly press conference held in the capital Tehran.

Regarding the ongoing exchange of messages with the USA through mediator countries, Bekayi emphasized that they will only sign and implement an agreement in which the rights of the Iranian people are guaranteed and said, "Consultations with mediator countries Pakistan and Qatar continue." he said.

Speaking about the US Congressional midterm elections, Bekayi argued that both Democrats and Republicans have harmed Iran in the last 60 years, and stated that Republicans' association of election results with attacks on Iran should be considered together with the message given by the American people.

Regarding US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's description of Iran's demands as "excessive and ridiculous", Bekayi said:

"What is the illogicality in ending the illegal sanctions of the USA, lifting the naval blockade and ending the war on all fronts before the negotiations begin? Iran's two-day plan is the most logical plan on the table. What is illogical is the USA attacking Iran in the middle of the negotiations."

Spokesperson Bekayi said, "Our position on the negotiations is quite open and transparent. Iran's plan, called the 'two-day plan', shows Iran's good will." he said.

Bekayi continued his words as follows:

"Could there be a more reasonable proposal than the plan that envisages positive developments within two days and restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz if the US accepts Iran's proposals? If the US administration has correctly understood the message given by its own people, it must now make a decision."

Relations with Iraq will not suffer from US pressure

Regarding the relations between Iran and Iraq, Bekayi said that the USA is putting pressure on the Baghdad administration, but this cannot damage the deep-rooted relations and neighborly ties between the people of the two countries.

Zangezur Corridor issue

Making evaluations about the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, also known as the "Zengezur Corridor", Bekayi stated that they conveyed to the Armenian administration that the project should not change the existing borders and the geopolitical structure of the region.

Emphasizing that Iran is not against opening new transportation routes, Bekayi stated that they find the US presence in the region worrying in terms of security due to past experiences.

Bekayi stated that the Armenian administration assured Tehran that US military forces would not be deployed to the region within the scope of the project.

Israel's "chemical weapon" claim

Regarding Israel's claims that Iran could use chemical weapons, Bekayi accused the Tel Aviv administration of "telling lies after lies" and argued that these allegations were not worth responding to.

South Korea should avoid crisis in the Strait of Hormuz

Evaluating the allegations that South Korea may send a navy to the region to support the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Bekayi called on the Seoul administration to refrain from military intervention.

Bekayi made the following statements on the subject:

"South Korea should refrain from sending military forces to the region to help open the Strait of Hormuz and avoid getting involved in this issue, which is already complex enough. We hope that not only South Korea but also other countries will take into account the consequences of the destructive initiatives of the United States and the Zionist regime."

Recalling the meeting held by China's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs with Iranian officials in Tehran, Bekayi stated that the contacts are a continuation of consultations on relations between the two countries and international developments.

Noting that Tehran and Beijing have similar attitudes on many regional and international issues, Bekayi said that they welcomed China's initiatives to reduce tensions in the Persian Gulf and West Asia.

Bekayi stated that the Chinese representative will visit other countries in the region after his contacts in Tehran.