Iran Rejects US President’s Accusations in Jeddah Summit


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected the “baseless and unacceptable” remarks by US President Joe Biden at a summit of regional Arab states in the Saudi city of Jeddah, saying the US is trying to foment tension and crisis in the West Asia region by resorting to Iranophobia.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani early on Sunday reacted to the latest remarks by Biden, who accused Iran of destabilizing activities in the West Asia region during an address to the summit of regional Arab states in Jeddah on Saturday.

“Around the world, we’re seeing efforts to undermine the rules-based order: with China’s increasingly coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond; with Russia’s brutal and unprovoked war against its neighboring Ukraine; and with Iran’s destabilizing activities,” Biden claimed.

Kanaani described the US president’s remarks as baseless and unacceptable, saying, “Such groundless allegations are in line with Washington’s policy to incite sedition and create tension in the region.”

He said the United States is the only country that has used nuclear weapons, and its track record includes continued interference in the internal affairs of regional countries, occupation and military aggression, massive weapons sales, and promotion of militarism in West Asia.

“Once more, the United States is trying to create tension and crisis in the region by resorting to its failed policy of Iranophobia,” he said.

He added that Iran’s strategic policy is to use peaceful nuclear technology within the framework of international rules and regulations while continuing to negotiate the removal of sanctions imposed on the country.

Kanaani reiterated that Iran pursues the principled and constructive policy of dialogue with neighbors and intra-regional initiatives.

“Regional governments are expected to answer the Islamic Republic of Iran’s call and initiatives for (the promotion of) dialogue and regional cooperation by taking constructive steps in favor of collective security, peace, stability and joint development,” he said.