Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is an official visit to neighboring Pakistan, has warned Israel of a “calculated and accurate” response to its act of aggression that claimed the lives of five Iranians in late October.
Iran’s top diplomat made the remark during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Araghchi said, “The Israeli regime showed its warmongering and aggressive nature more than ever by attacking some Iran's military sites on October 26. Unlike the Zionist regime, the Islamic Republic does not seek to escalate tensions, however, we reserve our fundamental right to legitimate defense based on Article 50 of the United Nations Charter.”
“We will definitely respond to the Israeli aggression at the right time and in a calculated and precise way.”
In the Israeli aggression, which caused some limited damage in some areas, four servicemen of the Armed Forces and one civilian were killed.
The Iranian foreign minister also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s condemnation of the Zionist regime's aggression.
“We deeply thank the government and people of Pakistan for condemning the Israeli regime's aggression against Iran. Pakistani authorities, particularly Pakistan’s esteemed prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif], have taken a clear and firm stance on this matter, for which we are deeply grateful,” Araghchi said.
World's failure on Gaza
Araghchi said, "Muslim countries are working hard to deal with this crisis and stop the crimes of the Zionist regime."
He asserted that, “At the upcoming meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, we will try to find a solution in order to end the Israeli crimes and reduce the suffering of the people of Gaza and Lebanon, especially as the winter approaches, which will increase the hardship and suffering of the displaced people and refugees in Gaza and Lebanon.”
“The government and people of Pakistan have also strongly supported the people of Gaza and Palestine over the past year. Unfortunately, the international community has failed to stop the Israeli genocide against the people of Gaza and its acts of aggression, which endanger both regional and global security and stability,” Iran’s top diplomat stressed.
Iran-Pakistan ties
Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s determination and commitment to deepen and boost its friendly, brotherly, and neighborly relations with Pakistan by strengthening cooperation between the two sides in all areas, including economic, trade, political, scientific, cultural, and tourism sectors.
Upon arriving in Islamabad, Araghchi told reporters that Iran and Pakistan share a special bond rooted in their geographical proximity, historical ties, extensive people-to-people connections, and broad political, economic, and cultural interactions.
Iran’s top diplomat added that after visiting regional countries amid the current sensitive situation, he is now pleased to have come to Pakistan in the final stage.
Araghchi also stressed that ties between the two countries have always been brotherly and friendly, noting that during this visit, efforts will be made to review a wide range of bilateral relations and comprehensive cooperation.
“During this visit, we will discuss with our Pakistani friends regional developments, including the threats posed by the Zionist regime and the crisis in the region, as well as ways to counter these threats and reduce tensions,” he further said.
After meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Araghchi said that they had discussed the necessity of addressing the genocide committed by the Zionist regime while they emphasized the need to halt this genocide in the region.
Fight against terrorism
Ishaq Dar, for his part, said, "Terrorism is a challenge in our region. Iran and Pakistan are currently fighting terrorism. In this meeting, we emphasized the necessity of the cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism."
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the visit “provides an important opportunity to advance cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and Iran on a wide range of areas, including trade, energy and security.”
During the meeting, both Araghchi and Ishaq Dar emphasized the necessity of combating terrorism.
“Considering that terrorism is a regional threat, we reaffirm our commitment to address and counter this phenomenon through cooperation with regional countries. Iran and Pakistan are committed to collaborating at various levels and through security, military, and political channels to combat terrorism and are actively working towards this goal. We are also determined to continue this course of action,” Araghchi stressed.
Ishaq Dar also asked Araghchi to convey his “warm greetings” to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
“We are always pleased to host our Iranian brothers and close friends” Pakistan’s top diplomat added.
“Your visit to Pakistan comes at a time when the Islamic world is facing a critical period,” Ishaq Dar further said.
Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and the pair discussed recent developments in Iran-Pakistan bilateral relations, regional issues, particularly defense and military cooperation, and security along common borders.
Araghchi is also scheduled to meet with Pakistan’s prime Minister.
High-ranking delegations from both countries will also hold meetings, chaired by the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan.