Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held his weekly press conference on Sunday, beginning with congratulations on the occasion of Transportation and Drivers' Day. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of drivers, including martyr Mohammad Dalvand, who worked tirelessly during the 12-day war.
Baghaei provided a report on last week's trilateral meeting between Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia held in Tehran. He also noted that the Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Belarus and Russia this week, and that a meeting of the Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries is being held in Tehran today.
He also provided an update on the recent visit of the President to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, adding that "we continue to witness the aggression of the Zionist regime in the West Asia region, including in Gaza."
Iran's Diplomatic Relationship with Lebanon is Long-Standing
Responding to a question regarding reports that Lebanon’s Foreign Minister may be hindering the administrative process for introducing Iran’s new Ambassador, Baghaei stated: "The diplomatic relationship between Iran and Lebanon is a long-standing one that continues. We have an Ambassador in Lebanon, and Lebanon's new Ambassador recently settled in Tehran. The relevant process for Iran's new Ambassador to Lebanon has been carried out and initiated for some time now, and we hope that this process will proceed naturally in Lebanon and our new Ambassador will be stationed in the country."
The Spokesperson added: "Regarding other discussions concerning Iran-Lebanon relations, our preference is to refrain from any statement that would distract Lebanon from focusing on safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Baghaei pointed to the Zionist regime's threats against Lebanon, noting: "We have always invited our Lebanese friends to reach an internal consensus in this country regarding the threats that challenge its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and this threat is nothing but the excesses of the Zionist regime."
Venezuela, as an Independent Country, Can Decide on its Foreign Relations Based on its National Interests
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also responded to a question regarding remarks by Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who alleged that Iran interferes in Venezuela's internal affairs and that "Iranian agents" have attacked Venezuela.
"I believe it is inappropriate to respond to the words of an individual who has no value or affection for her homeland," Baghaei said, suggesting she was merely repeating a narrative "to please the parties who gave her the Nobel Peace Prize."
Baghaei rejected reports by some Western media regarding Iran-Venezuela relations and claims of Tehran's interference in Caracas' domestic affairs, stating: "These statements are irrelevant. As an independent country, Venezuela can decide on its foreign relations based on its national interests and maintain ties with countries that interact with it based on mutual respect, thus regulating its foreign policy."
He continued: "The parties that should be held accountable are those who seek to violate the national sovereignty of Venezuela and want to impose their will on other countries, including Venezuela."
The Spokesperson criticized the US policy towards Venezuela and other Caribbean nations, stating: "The US seeks to impose its demands and views on an independent country, and this is contrary to all international laws and regulations."
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