Iran’s Shamkhani Warns of Consequences of Israel’s Inclusion in CENTCOM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council denounced the US Central Command’s decision to coordinate military activities with the Zionist regime as a testimony to the continuation of Washington’s destabilizing policies.
In a meeting with Japan’s visiting foreign minister in Tehran on Sunday, Ali Shamkhani decried the inclusion of the “fake Zionist regime” in the CENTCOM (US Central Command) mechanism as a dangerous sign of continuation of the American policies that create insecurity.
“The continuation of such a tension-creating (US) policy will have extremely dangerous consequences for regional and global security and stability,” the top Iranian security official warned.
He further pointed to the long history of relations between Iran and Japan, calling for the qualitative promotion of ties without the interference and influence of third parties.
Highlighting the abundant opportunities for the enhancement of economic cooperation between Tehran and Tokyo, Shamkhani said new grounds should be prepared for interaction with the new Iranian administration.
He further described the protection of security of international maritime routes as a main policy of Iran, warning that the presence of foreign forces in the Persian Gulf disrupts regional stability and sustainable security.
Shamkhani also said that the US’ breach of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, its irresponsible withdrawal from the nuclear deal, and the Biden administration’s move to continue its predecessor’s policies have led to the current situation. “The path that the US should take out of the impasse is to fulfill the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation.”
For his part, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu expressed his country’s willingness to expand relations with Iran, hoping that the bilateral ties would grow under the new Iranian administration.
Emphasizing the importance of the JCPOA as an international accord, the Japanese foreign minister said the US must abandon excessive demands in order for the revival of the nuclear agreement.
Motegi stressed the need for closer cooperation with Iran and the exchange of experiences in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The senior Japanese diplomat, who arrived in Tehran on Saturday night, has also met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and outgoing Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.