Iran issued its first official response Monday to the defense agreement signed Friday between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei used the occasion to criticize the United States and caution neighboring countries against permitting American forces to use their territory as a staging ground for potential attacks on Iran.
Speaking to reporters, Baghaei characterized the trilateral pact as evidence of a regional shift. "Israel's expansionist policy has become clear, open, and exposed," he stated. "This agreement stems from the understanding of regional states that maintaining security through the United States is no longer possible."
The Iranian spokesman rejected what he termed foreign interference in the region. "Iran opposes foreign intervention in the area. Regional states are invited to strengthen relations, trust, and security without external actors, and their territory should not serve as a launching point for aggression against Iran," Baghaei said.
He also addressed ongoing discussions with Oman, confirming statements made Sunday night by Iran's Revolutionary Guards that Tehran has no intention of reopening the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping chokepoint—before what he termed American capitulation. "As long as the war continues, we will not allow passage through the strait," Baghaei clarified. "We are currently focused on Hormuz, not on renewing negotiations with the United States. The opening of the Strait of Hormuz is conditional on meeting the conditions imposed on Iran, on this shipping route, and on the entire region, following the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime."
