TEHRAN -- Interim foreign 
minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the Islamic Republic observes the policy of good neighborliness as a strategic and unwavering policy.
“The policy of good neighborliness is not a temporary and tactical policy, but rather a strategic approach of the establishment,” Bagheri Kani said.
“This policy was first presented by late president Ebrahim Raisi’s administration, but Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] has on occasions reiterated that this is a definite and strategic policy of the establishment. Strategic rationality prescribes that our agenda at the regional level should be détente with all neighbors,” he said.
He said late foreign minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian had a broad and accurate understanding of the foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy, which were based on the viewpoints and guidelines of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, and his successor Ayatollah Seyyed ali Khamenei.
“Such a fact helps any diplomat not get carried away in the midst of international vicissitudes,” he added.
Bagheri Kani added that when Amir-Abdollahian took helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most regional states had either severed ties with Iran or had tense relations with the Islamic Republic.
Today, he said, only one country in the region – Bahrain – does not have relations with Tehran, and that even Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah has said that Manama looks forward to improving its relations with Iran.
On Wednesday, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani visited Tehran to offer condolences on the passing of President Raeisi, who lost his life alongside seven others in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran on Sunday.
“The establishment’s foreign policy has been devised in accordance with a strategic rationale, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts within the framework of the principles that have been laid down by the Supreme National Security Council and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,” Bagheri Kani said.
“The key point is that individuals can demonstrate various aptitudes, skills, acumen and performance. Nonetheless, it does not mean that the compass of the country’s foreign policy will change,” he added.
The acting Iranian foreign minister also echoed Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks that the caretaker administration will fulfill its duties strongly, firmly and responsibly.
Separately, Bagheri Kani said the strategic choice of Iran and Russia to form a fair world is based on multilateralism.
In a post on his X account, he said he held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in

the continuation of diplomatic meetings and contacts, and discussed mutual and multilateral plans.
Bagheri Kani said Tehran and Moscow are promoting bilateral, regional and international cooperation.
“The path of multilateralism is the strategic choice of Iran and Russia to shape a fair world in which each player gets a chance to play a role based on his capacity,” the interim foreign minister wrote.