Baqaei: U.S. military presence in region only source of insecurity

Pars Today – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Iran’s neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf to stop trying to “borrow security” from extra-regional powers and emphasized that Iran has no hostility toward its neighbors.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the Press TV news network, addressing Iran’s neighbors in the Persian Gulf, warned against seeking borrowed security in the region and stated: “The U.S. military presence in the region is the only source of insecurity and puts the countries hosting American bases at risk.”

According to Pars Today, Baqaei emphasized that, rather than providing real security, U.S. military bases in the region have repeatedly exposed regional countries to unnecessary risks, adding that the military presence of the United States brings nothing but insecurity.

Baqaei called on regional governments to pursue constructive dialogue and joint regional mechanisms for security, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no hostility toward the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and is fully committed to establishing respectful relations and mutual interests based on national sovereignty and shared benefits.

Baqaei, referring to Iran’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and national interests against foreign aggression, said: 

“Iranians never yield to pressure, and Iran’s defensive actions are directed exclusively at American assets and bases that are actively used for attacks against Iran — and are by no means aimed at regional countries.”

Regarding Iran–U.S. negotiations, Baqaei stressed: 

“Iran’s current priority is clear; at present, Iran’s decision is to focus on ending the war, as this is a concern for the entire region, for the Iranian nation, and for the international community.”