Iran will not accept an end to the war on terms set by its adversaries, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said, as Tehran prepares to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz and maritime routes with Oman.
“Iran certainly did not start this war, but we will not allow it to end on the aggressor's terms,” Baghaei said, according to Tehran Times and RT International. He added that Iran believes the aggressor must be held accountable.
The comments came as Iran and Oman prepare to discuss security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz and maritime transit routes. Baghaei said the talks were important as both countries are coastal states in the region.
Tehran Times reported that the Omani delegation will also discuss wider bilateral issues during the talks. Baghaei said Iran-Pakistan relations were at one of their strongest points, with both countries looking to expand cooperation “in all areas”.
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Iran Warns Over US Military Activity
Baghaei said Iran viewed the presence of US aerial refuelling aircraft leaving Bulgaria as support for what Tehran considers US and Israeli military aggression.
“It's our right to target the origin and source of any aggressive action against Iran,” he said.
Baghaei also described Iran's approach to the conflict using a reference to strategic games.
“We have been chess players for a long time; in recent years, we've also become poker players, and for some time now, we've been playing a combination of the two,” he said.
Iran Criticises US Sanctions
Baghaei criticised Washington's sanctions policy, saying repeated sanctions had failed to achieve their intended objectives.
“Washington's persistence in failed methods has no result other than proving America's hatred for the Iranian people, because they know very well that the direct consequences of these sanctions are on ordinary citizens,” he said.
He described sanctions and attempts to restrict Iran's trade as violations of free trade and national sovereignty.
Baghaei also warned countries against cooperating with what Tehran described as the US “siege” of Iran. He called the naval blockade an act of aggression and said Iran would not remain idle in response.
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