Iran's Interim Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, has complimented the expanding political and economic cooperation between Iran and Qatar, emphasizing the Islamic Republic's strategic objective of strengthening relationships with neighboring nations.

During a meeting with Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday, Bagheri Kani said the visit of a Qatari delegation to pay respects to the late President Ebrahim Raisi and to the Iranian government and people was a statement of compassion and evidence of the two countries' close relations.

Bagheri Kani described the relations between both countries as beneficial in several political and economic spheres, as well as regional cooperation, and commended Raisi and the late foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian for their effective roles in forging good long-term relations with Qatar.

Bagheri Kani emphasized Iran's strategic strategy of building relations with its neighbors, stating,  “Today, the neighborliness policy of Raisi's government has become the rallying call of all parties that seek security and sustainable development. Therefore, without doubt, this strategic priority of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue with no interruption.”

Referring to the Israeli occupation's genocide in Gaza, he stated that the regional situation "necessitates using all capacities for ending the genocide in Gaza and supporting the oppressed Gazans."

The Qatari Prime minister, who also serves as foreign minister paid respect to the late Iranian president and foreign minister, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19, praising their role in promoting Doha-Tehran relations and supporting Palestine.

Speaking about recent developments in the region and Palestine, as well as the course of events in Gaza, Abdulrahman Al Thani described the current situation as "very dangerous," emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration with Iran to aid the region's stability and security.

Iran dismisses G7 statement on nuclear program

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations from the Group of Seven (G7) regarding Iran's nuclear program, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaan firmly rejecting the G7's claims, which cast doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities.

The G7 had issued a warning to Iran on Friday, cautioning against advancements in its nuclear enrichment program and suggesting potential new measures if Tehran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia.

Kanaani criticized the G7's reference to a recent anti-Iran resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors, calling it a politically motivated move. He argued that certain governments were abusing international mechanisms to target sovereign states like Iran.

"Iran will continue its constructive interaction and technical cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of its duties and rights," Kanaani stated, emphasizing that Tehran remains committed to its peaceful nuclear projects in line with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Safeguards Agreement, despite political pressures.

He attributed the current tensions to "illegal measures" by the United States and the UK, France, and Germany, asserting that these countries need to demonstrate goodwill and avoid politically driven actions to address all parties' concerns.

Kanaani reiterated Iran's commitment to regional stability and national security, stating, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will act decisively to protect and defend its national security and interests against any ill-advised measure."