Khatibzadeh: Iran’s Arms Wide Open to Neighbors

Date: 01 February 2021 - 21:27

News ID: ۸۷۱۸۱

TEHRAN (Dispatches) – Iran on Monday said its position has always been "cooperation and dialogue” in the region without any foreign interference.
Khatibzadeh criticized some of Iran’s neighboring countries for their "inappropriate measures” during Trump’s tenure. He said they saw Trump as a "window of opportunity” to use whatever they wanted.
"Some of our good neighbors in the region have taken some inappropriate measures under the illusion that Trump’s presence is a window of opportunity,” he said.
He called on Saudi Arabia to reverse course, end its war on Yemen and accept that intra-regional talks can lead to a mutual understanding between the countries of the region.
"Iran’s arms are wide open and we will welcome them,” Khatibzadeh added.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Khatibzadeh said talks with the Taliban in Tehran last week were held at the request and knowledge of the Afghan government.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif met with the Taliban’s top political leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and his entourage in Tehran.
"All of the talks have been held either at their request or with their knowledge,” Khatibzadeh said.
"We have always stated that we support the inter-Afghan dialogue,” he said, noting that the Taliban are part of the reality in Afghanistan and need to be recognized as such.
According to Khatibzadeh, no government can be formed in Afghanistan unless it is based on the achievements of the Afghani people.
"We regard as valid any agreement

reached by the current government of Afghanistan, the groups and the people of Afghanistan including the Taliban,” the spokesman said. "But [such an agreement] would come out of the inter-Afghan dialogue and not out of the elimination of others, including the government.”
During his Sunday meeting with the Taliban’s representatives, Zarif said Iran supports the formation of an inclusive Afghan government representing people from all political groups and factions of the country.
He also pointed to U.S. actions in the Central Asian country, advising that Washington is not a good mediator and peace broker.
The Taliban delegation arrived in Tehran last Tuesday at the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s invitation. Taliban representatives have paid several visits to Iran over the past months.