Iran will not extend deadline to Iraq disarming Kurdish separatists
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ran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani touched on a variety of issues on Monday, such as Russian-Iranian ties, the Israeli Mossad, Kurdish separatists, and the border crisis of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
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Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani speaks in Tehran on August 11, 2022. (AP)
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, the ultimatum that was given to Iraq in order to disarm Kurdish separatist groups will not be extended.
Yesterday, Deputy Chief of Operations in the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), General Abbas Nilforoushan, emphasized, once again, that the deadline set for Iraq to disarm terrorist Iranian separatist groups in Northeastern Iraq will expire on September 19.
The spokesperson explained that Tehran's stance is "completely clear," citing that Iran had reached an agreement with the Iraqi government and the heads of the Iraqi Kurdistan region to disarm terrorists -- a process which must be completed before September 19.
He added that the Iraqi government has taken steps in this direction and has stated that it would keep its promises.
Relations growing with Russia
Regarding Russia, Kanaani noted that the relationship is growing and detailed to reporters that "talks are underway between the two countries to draft a comprehensive document" that will serve as a roadmap that will initiate government institutions pursuing bilateral ties.
He stated that the two parties exchanged a draft agreement, which is currently being reviewed by their respective working groups until it is ready to be signed.
Russia and Iran, both subject to Western sanctions, have developed deeper military and economic ties in recent years.
Discussing the situation between the Armenian and Azerbaijani border, Kanaani noted that Tehran is "in contact with the two countries' officials," helping to ease tensions while highlighting that it is important to respect all territorial integrity of countries.
He did, however, comment on war games between Armenia and the US, expressing that US troops are not in search of "stability and security". Rather, they sow insecurity wherever they go.
Illegitimate 'Israel'
Kanaani stated that murder threats made by the head of "Israel's" Mossad espionage agency against Iranian leaders demonstrate that Israel is a "fake, usurping regime based on terrorism" that is pursuing terrorist activities to fulfill its "illegitimate" aims.
He pledged that Iran would respond to "any foolish action," saying that Tehran has repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities to protect national security and delivered severe blows to the Israeli occupation.
Read more: Iran thwarts Mossad plot targeting its missile manufacturing industry
Kanaani also stated that Tehran has been legally pursuing the countries responsible directly or indirectly for former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's use of chemical weapons against Iranians during the war of 1980-1988.
He stated that one of the diplomatic apparatus's responsibilities is to preserve the rights of the Iranian people and vowed that the subject will be pursued in international forums in the future.
Two Dutch firms are being sued for supplying some of the weapons to Iraq at the time.
Attack on Embassy in France
The spokesperson strongly condemned the recent attack on the Iranian Embassy in France, disclosing that Iran has sent a formal protest to French officials.
On the topic of Iranian funds that are blocked in South Korea, Kanaani noted that the transfer will begin this week, hoping that "the transfer will be completed in the upcoming days and that the Islamic Republic will gain full access to its assets."
A report by Reuters has revealed further details on the Qatari-mediated deal between Iran and the United States, where $6 billion of previously frozen Iranian funds are set to be wired to banks in Qatar.
He also explained that the release is unrelated to a prisoner swap agreement with the US.
On August 10, Iran released four US nationals and one British national, whom Iran labeled as terrorists, from Tehran's Evin prison, placing them under house arrest.
He emphasized the swap would have taken place long ago if the US had "cooperated" and that the issue is a humanitarian one.
"We are optimistic that the exchange of prisoners will take place in the near future based on the reached agreement."
