Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed on Wednesday that the country's stance on the peaceful use of nuclear energy remains unchanged.
Araghchi stated that Iran has consistently sought to exercise its rights to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. While Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has yet to articulate his position on the matter, the Foreign Minister expressed his belief that Iran's overarching nuclear policy is unlikely to see significant changes.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said that after the war, the coastal countries should draft new agreements for ships passing through it to ensure safe and smooth routes, but only if Iranian and regional interests are met.
He further underscored that while the neighboring countries were disturbed by Iran's strike on nearby U.S. military bases, the United States bears full responsibility for the escalation, as it was the U.S. that instigated the conflict and mired the region in its current turmoil.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.
FM affirms Iran's stance on peaceful nuclear energy unchanged
The international community should remain firmly committed to a political settlement of the Syrian issue, support the early restoration of peace and stability in Syria, and promote an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said at a UN Security Council meeting on the Syrian issue that although there have been some positive developments in the current situation in Syria, multiple challenges remain in the political transition, counter-terrorism efforts, and humanitarian situation.
In their briefings, UN officials stated that the escalation of the situation in the Middle East is bringing new impacts to an already fragile Syria. They called on the Security Council to increase its support by continuing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent further spillover of regional warfare, sustaining critical humanitarian aid, and promoting long-term investment in Syria's economic recovery and development.
Fu said that China supports Syria in advancing its domestic political process under the "Syrian-led, Syrian-owned" principle, with all Syrian parties encouraged to engage in inclusive dialogue to advance the political reconciliation process. China also commends the efforts made by the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, and supports its continued work in accordance with its mandate.
In terms of security issues, Fu said that the terrorist forces still pose a serious threat to regional peace and security, and reiterated China’s firm opposition to all forms of terrorism and double standard in the fight against terrorism. China called on the Syrian transitional government to fulfill its international obligations and take effective measures to resolutely combat all international terrorist organizations designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Fu said.
The international community should adhere to a people-centered approach and focus on alleviating the severe humanitarian situation in Syria. China calls for increasing humanitarian assistance to Syria and making greater efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis, Fu said.
Discussions on the Syrian issue cannot be separated from the overall situation in the Middle East. The current ongoing conflicts in the region are posing greater risks to peace and stability, Fu noted.
"The situation across the Middle East is being driven toward a dangerous precipice, a development that is deeply concerning. Prolonged conflict will only inflict greater suffering on the people of the region while generating severe negative repercussions for both regional stability and the global economy. China calls for an immediate ceasefire, prevent further escalation, and bring all parties to return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace," said Fu.
China calls for political settlement of Syrian issue, ceasefire in Middle East
