Iran rejects US-GCC statement: Washington’s military presence destabilizes region, our security is red line

TEHRAN, June 26 (YPA) – The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the joint statement issued by the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, labeling it “provocative and containing irresponsible positions.”

Tehran asserted that the US military presence in the Gulf source of insecurity and deepens regional divisions, emphasizing that regional security must be built through intra-regional cooperation away from foreign interference, and that the management of the Strait of Hormuz is conducted in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman.

For his part, the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, criticized some Gulf states for seeking protection from the United States, raising questions regarding:

•  These countries allowing their territories to be used for aggression against Iran.
•  Disregarding the arms race and remaining silent on repeated Israeli aggressions against Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.
• The failure to raise the issue of the “Israeli” nuclear arsenal, which remains outside international oversight.

Baghaei concluded by reaffirming that his country’s conventional military capabilities are a legitimate right to self-defense, stressing that Iran’s national security and dignity are a “red line that is not subject to compromise or preconditions,” and that Iran’s means of defense are non-negotiable.

YPA