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FM spokesman: Security of Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait should be safeguarded

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, July 17, IRNA -- Security of the Persian Gulf and the Hormuz Strait should be retained so that all countries could preserve their own interests as well as those of the region, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said.

In his weekly press briefing on Tuesday, he was asked to comment on a proposed plan by the Iranian parliament to close the Hormuz Strait.

He said the security of the Persian Gulf and the Hormuz Strait was a major priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Stressing that Iran’s military might and defense capabilities were only to be used as deterents, he noted that those countries which are trying to intervene in the region or carry on certain activities to disorganize the energy market are the real threats to the security in the Persian Gulf.

Mehmanparast said certain countries endangering Iran’s national interests have to stand for the consequences of their mistakes, advising them to stop their interventions which would lead to insecurity in the region.

Referring to yesterday attack of a US warship on a UAE boat, the spokesman said the incident proved the truth of Iran’s warning that the military presence of foreign countries in the Persian Gulf will create insecurity in the region.

He recommended foreign forces not to embark on provoking actions.

Asked about remarks of the Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi who had warned against any wrong decisions regarding Syria, he said it is natural for all regional countries to be concerned about foreign interventions.

Mehmanparast said insecurity and instability in Syria will lead to similar situations in the whole region, stressing that the West is trying to prepare the ground for military interventions because it is worrying about the security of the Zionist regime.

He further expressed sorrow over the violation of the rights of the Muslim minority in Myanmar and urged its government to defend the rights of ethnic minorities, saying the Muslim community in Myanmar is a reality which could not be denied and its right should be observed.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 1023210