Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that Iran’s foreign policy under President Masoud Pezeshkian has prioritised neighbouring countries, describing efforts to reduce regional tensions and expand ties in an interview with Iranian state television.
– “Under Dr Pezeshkian’s administration, greater priority was given to neighbouring countries,” Araghchi said. This approach requires “eliminating any tension in relations with each of our neighbours” and pursuing a policy of “provincial diplomacy” alongside broader neighbourhood engagement, he added.
– He praised neighbouring countries for assistance during recent unrest, saying some had supplied goods and medicine, allowed stranded Iranians to return home through their territory, and permitted Iranian aircraft to use their airspace.
– Araghchi said Iran had rejected calls for a ceasefire in the early stages of the war, and added: “We do not want a ceasefire; we want an end to the war.” He pointed out that Iran does not want the conflict, which was halted by a ceasefire and then resumed months later, “to become a pattern”.
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