Iran’s Security Chief Holds Phone Talks with Putin on Regional Developments

Darwin, November 2: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, held a telephone conversation to discuss developments in the Middle East and other regional and international issues, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported on Monday.

According to the report, the situation in West Asia was a key focus of the conversation.

During the call, Rezaei expressed gratitude for statements by Putin and other Russian officials praising Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other prominent Iranian figures. He also acknowledged Russia’s support for the resilience and determination of the Iranian people.

Both sides stressed the importance of continuing strategic cooperation in line with the roadmaps set by their respective leaders.

However, IRIB did not provide further details about the specific regional issues discussed or the measures the two countries might take to advance bilateral cooperation.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, in Beijing.

According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang said the conflict had become prolonged and had spread beyond regional boundaries.

He stressed that dialogue and negotiations remained the only way to end the conflict. All parties, he said, should act responsibly towards their people and history, avoid resorting to force again, and pursue a political settlement with a rational and pragmatic approach based on shared goals.

Wang reiterated China’s willingness to advance initiatives by President Xi Jinping aimed at easing regional tensions. He also pledged to work with all parties to restore peace.

During the meeting, Bagheri said Tehran would make no concessions when it came to defending Iran’s sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity.

He described US and Israeli attacks against Iran, as well as the killing of the country’s supreme leader and members of his family, as “unforgettable crimes.” He also characterised the actions as war crimes.

The Iranian official further warned of the consequences of what he described as the United States’ belligerent attitude and expansionist policies. He argued that no one could succeed by waging war against a civilisation and warned that such a conflict would also destabilise the global economy.

Source: IRNA