Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke on the phone on Friday and discussed topics ranging from NATO to the riots in Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian said that NATO's misguided policy of eastward expansion is the primary cause of the conflict while outlining Iran's moral position regarding the events of the war in Ukraine.

Additionally, he rejected as unfounded the assertion that Iran provided weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, highlighting the fact that such claims serve to justify Western weaponry supplies to Ukraine.  Amir-Abdollahian also noted that those making these baseless claims against Iran have played significant roles in the igniting and extension of the war in Ukraine.

According to the foreign ministry, the foreign minister claimed that people who make such allegations against Iran are to blame for the start and continuance of the conflict in Ukraine.

The FM continued by reiterating Iran's objection to arming any side of the conflict, claiming that doing so will result in casualties and material loss for both sides, noting that Iran will continue to strive for a diplomatic solution to end the war in Ukraine.

As for recent events in Iran Amir-Abdollahian explained how the US and a few Western nations have supported terrorism and riots, disseminating false information and deliberately abusing international institutions.

He emphasized that Tehran views diplomacy and negotiation as the preferred course of action, but he also made clear that the Islamic Republic is not without recourse to alternative measures.

Iran plays helpful role in region

The UN chief, for his part, stressed that he will continue efforts toward regional dialogue and appreciated Iran’s support and constructive role to that end.

Guterres also expressed hope that Tehran’s efforts to end the Ukraine war would lead to the establishment of a ceasefire and a solution to the problem.

He further described as valuable Iran’s initiative to form a national committee to investigate the events in the Islamic Republic.

The UN chief, for his part, emphasized that he will keep working toward regional dialogue and thanked Iran for its assistance and helpful role in that regard.

Additionally, Guterres expressed optimism that Tehran's initiatives to end the war in Ukraine would culminate in the establishment of an armistice and the resolution of the problem.

The UN Secretary-General emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are the best avenues for resolving regional and international conflicts, and praised Tehran for its assistance in using politics to put an end to the Yemeni crisis. Iran must continue to be involved in this matter, according to Guterres.

Finally, the recent developments in the negotiations to lift the sanctions and the collaboration between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency were discussed by the two parties.

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