In a telephone conversation on Tuesday, the Malaysian foreign minister and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi discussed developments in the region, particularly the economic consequences of the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
Araqchi detailed the crimes committed by the American and Zionist aggressors against the Iranian people, especially attacks on schools, hospitals, and residential areas. He emphasized Iran's determination to firmly defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, stating that Iran will defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity with all its capabilities.
Araqchi affirmed that Iran is committed to maintaining friendly relations based on good neighborliness with all countries in the region. However, he noted that the use of military bases and facilities by the United States and the Zionist regime in the territories of these countries for military aggression against Iran has left Tehran with no choice but to resort to defensive actions within the framework of its inherent right to self-defense.
Araqchi emphasized that the legal, moral, and Islamic demand of the Iranian people from the countries in the region is to prevent the continued exploitation by the US and the Zionist regime of their territories and facilities for the brutal aggression against a neighboring Islamic country.
Pointing to the consequences of the US-Israeli military aggression on the economy, security, and stability of the region, as well as the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Araqchi asserted that the insecurity imposed on the Strait of Hormuz is a direct result of the US-Israeli military aggression.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a series of measures consistent with international law in this waterway in order to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.
Araqchi noted that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessels belonging to or associated with the United States and the Zionist regime, as well as any party that has participated or assisted in their military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, the foreign minister said, other vessels can pass through the waterway for safe passage, provided they coordinate with Iranian competent authorities.
For his part, the Malaysian foreign minister emphasized his country's principled stance in condemning the aggressive actions against Iran and highlighted the necessity of efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability and security to the region.
He extended his condolences and expressed solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the martyrdom of a number of its citizens in the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime, underscoring the importance and necessity of preserving stable security in the region.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.