Era of attacking and escaping is over, Iran warns US; says it will pursue and respond

TEHRAN: Iran has warned the United States that the era of attacking and getting away is over. It said it will pursue and give a full response.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said this at his weekly press briefing. He described the past US record of violating agreements and promises as the main reason for the lack of trust.

The spokesman said that, despite this, Iran has not so far given up diplomatic efforts and welcomes talks. According to him, talks must be held on an equal footing and with solid guarantees, which the United States must also prove through its conduct.

Esmail Baqaei said Iran has already proved in practice that no aggressor will be left without a response. He said that, if needed, the reaction will be even harsher.

Ceasefire talks and Iran’s conditions

The Iranian spokesman said US demands are the biggest obstacle to any diplomatic progress in the ceasefire talks. Iran has conveyed its concerns and conditions to the United States through Qatar, but the US response is inadequate.

He said Iran’s conditions include an end to the war on all fronts, the restoration of frozen Iranian assets and the lifting of the naval blockade.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he said Iran has also presented a seven-day plan to reopen the vital waterway. However, flexibility in the US conditions is necessary for progress on it.

Esmail Baqaei urged the Gulf countries not to let their territory be used for military action against Iran.

He described Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Tehran as routine consultation. He made it clear that no nuclear talks were held during the visit.