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Iran's President tells Pakistan U.S. 'betrays diplomacy' again

From Hankyoreh · (9h ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi expressed distrust towards the United States to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing recent actions in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Raisi accused the U.S. of betraying diplomacy and reiterated Iran's resolve to defend its people against any provocations from the U.S. and Israel.
  • Sharif assured Raisi of Pakistan's commitment to mediating regional peace and security, following discussions with various Middle Eastern leaders.

From Tehran, the recent exchange between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscores a persistent and deeply ingrained skepticism towards American intentions. The President's direct expression of distrust, particularly regarding the U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz, reflects a national sentiment that has been shaped by decades of perceived American interference and broken promises.

These actions and the threatening remarks by U.S. officials raise doubts about America's sincerity.

— Masoud PezeshkianIranian President commenting on U.S. actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

This is not merely a diplomatic nicety; it is a core tenet of our foreign policy. When President Pezeshkian speaks of the U.S. 'betraying diplomacy,' he echoes a widespread feeling among Iranians that international agreements and assurances from Washington are inherently unreliable. The recent 'counter-blockade' in the Strait of Hormuz, framed by the U.S. as a defensive measure, is viewed here as yet another aggressive act, a clear signal that American actions do not align with its stated commitment to open maritime passage.

The U.S. has made it clearer than ever that it intends to betray diplomacy, following in the footsteps of the past.

— Masoud PezeshkianIranian President expressing distrust towards the U.S.

Pakistan's role as a mediator, while appreciated, is viewed through this lens of caution. We value the efforts of our neighbors in fostering regional stability, and Prime Minister Sharif's assurances of continued mediation are noted. However, the ultimate arbiter of peace in our region, from our perspective, remains the willingness of global powers, particularly the United States, to engage in genuine, trustworthy diplomacy rather than pursuing policies that exacerbate tensions. The emphasis on defending the Iranian nation against any provocation from the U.S. and the Zionist regime is a non-negotiable stance, reflecting our unwavering commitment to sovereignty and national security.

Pakistan will faithfully fulfill its role as a sincere mediator for lasting peace and regional stability, with the support of friendly and partner countries.

— Shehbaz SharifPakistani Prime Minister assuring Iran of mediation efforts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.