BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 16. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran remains open to diplomatic solutions while maintaining that Iran is prepared to defend its national sovereignty and what it considers the rights of its people.
Araghchi made the remarks during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where the two officials discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi said Tehran had initiated dialogue with neighbouring countries in an effort to restore calm across the region.
“While upholding our principles and standing firm to secure the inalienable rights of the Iranian people, we seek the restoration of calm to the region and the fostering of friendly, peaceful relations with our neighbours,” Araghchi said.
His comments come amid continuing tensions involving Iran and the United States, as well as uncertainty surrounding navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Officials from Iran, Iraq and five Gulf Cooperation Council countries had been expected to meet in Oman to discuss navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The planned talks were intended to address maritime issues amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The meeting was subsequently postponed. According to the information provided, Bahrain was the only GCC member to object to the gathering.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said the meeting had been postponed “in the interests of consensus.”
The postponement highlights continuing differences among regional states over how to address the Hormuz issue, while Iran continues diplomatic contacts with neighbouring countries and major international partners, including China.
