Iran Stresses Importance of Neighborhood Security, Warns Regional Tensions Affect Border Stability
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran places paramount importance on neighborhood relations and border security, particularly along its eastern borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday, warning that any tension between the two neighboring countries would inevitably affect Iran as well.
Baqaei made the remarks during his weekly press briefing while commenting on a meeting hosted by Iran earlier the same day to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. The meeting was attended by senior representatives from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, as well as Russia.
“Iran shares a total border of nearly 2,000 kilometers with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Any tension that arises between the two countries will inevitably affect us as well,” Baqaei said, adding that other regional countries face similar concerns, which prompted their invitation to the meeting.
He noted that Afghanistan had also been invited to participate, stressing that Iran believes Afghan involvement in such regional mechanisms could enhance mutual understanding and contribute to resolving issues between Afghanistan and its neighbors. However, Afghanistan chose not to attend the meeting, a decision Iran respects, he added.
According to Baqaei, participants exchanged views on regional developments, including recent border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Through this meeting, the Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to help build regional consensus and identify solutions that will strengthen security and stability in the surrounding environment and among regional countries,” he said.
Foreign Minister to Visit Russia and Belarus
Baqaei also announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Russia and Belarus on what he described as “important trips,” though he did not provide specific dates for the visits.
Criticism of US Policies in West Asia
Commenting on recent remarks by US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, Baqaei said the United States continues to meddle in the affairs of West Asian countries, despite the severe consequences its policies have had in the region.
He said the envoy’s comments amounted to an acknowledgment of US interference and highlighted how policies that have already proven unsuccessful have produced serious repercussions for regional countries.
Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon
Baqaei further said that the process of appointing a new Iranian ambassador to Beirut has begun, following the recent arrival of Lebanon’s new ambassador in Tehran.
Responding to claims by Lebanon’s foreign minister that Iran interferes in Lebanon’s internal affairs, Baqaei said Tehran prefers to avoid statements that could divert Lebanon’s attention from safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We do not wish to make remarks that could cause Lebanese society and government to lose sight of their country’s core issue: defending itself against the continued crimes of the Zionist regime,” he said.
