TEHRAN- Iran asserted that the U.S. vetoing a UN resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza is tantamount to a support for the Israeli regime’s continued cruelty against the Palestinian people.

Nasser Kanaani made the remarks on Monday during his weekly news conference in Tehran, following the United States’ use of its veto in the United Nations Security Council on Friday to prevent a draft resolution calling for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

“The U.S. government showed that it stands alone in the face of the international community and does not shy away from being alone in supporting the Zionist regime,” he said.

By vetoing the UN resolution, the U.S. demonstrated that it not only voted against ending Israel’s assault in Gaza, but also supported the continuance of savagery against the oppressed Palestinian people. 

He praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ “responsible action” in drawing the Security Council’s attention to the situation in Gaza, and urged the Council to act quickly to safeguard world peace and security.

Kanaani stressed that by rejecting the resolution and demonstrating its complete cooperation in the Israeli regime’s atrocities, the U.S. rejected the world and the UN chief’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“The American government is not part of the solution to the Gaza war, but is part of the continuation of the genocide against the people of Gaza,” he stated, restating Iran’s strong criticism of the U.S. stance toward Gaza. 

Thirteen Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.

The General Assembly, where the U.S. has no veto power, overwhelmingly supported a humanitarian ceasefire. On October 26, the assembly approved the ceasefire with 120 votes in favor and only 14 against the non-binding resolution.

Kanaani went on to say that the Security Council has failed to act at this crucial moment and is incapable of carrying out its mandate to maintain international peace and security and put an end to war.

The U.S. rejection of the resolution, he said, is evidence that the Security Council has reached a deadlock and is unable to carry out its mandate.

The spokesperson stressed that Iran has stated time and time again that the only group with the right to determine their own destiny is the Palestinian people.

Iran applauds Armenia-Azerbaijan peace statement

Kanaani also said that “Iran welcomes the joint statement of Baku and Yerevan about reciprocal measures to build trust, including the release of their prisoners, and considers it as a constructive step in the achievement of a peace agreement.”

He added that the joint statement from the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan demonstrated the value of regional dialogue and conflict settlement processes.

“Achieving sustainable peace in the region requires a trust-building atmosphere and cooperation among the regional parties,” Kanaani continued.

The Iranian official also conveyed Iran’s readiness to assist the two neighboring governments in reaching a durable peace agreement and expressed optimism that the talks between Baku and Yerevan would be fruitful.

JCPOA II out of question

In response to questions on rumors of negotiations for JCPOA II, the new nuclear agreement with Iran, Kanaani stated, “Such ideas are presented by the parties that have reneged on their commitments.”

He said that those signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal who have failed to follow their JCPOA pledges want to promote “diversionary ideas” in order to skirt their duties.

“Iran sees no necessity for another JCPOA,” he underlined.

Kanaani pointed out that the JCPOA, which was signed in 2015, had outlined all countries’ obligations.

Iran has repeatedly stated that the complete, effective, and verifiable implementation of the JCPOA by all parties is the only way to bring the agreement back on track. 

Iranian president visit to Turkey

Regarding Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s postponed visit to Turkey, the spokesperson stated that the cancellation was due to the current state of affairs in Palestine as well as an agreement reached by all parties on the matter.

Furthermore, he said, the Iranian foreign minister’s visa was not issued in a timely manner, which prevented the Iranian delegation from visiting Turkey.

MKO terror group trial

The trial of the terrorist cult Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) in Iran will commence on Tuesday, according to the spokesperson, with legal preparations made by the country’s judiciary.

“This will be another step in Iran’s legal actions and the extradition of those whose hands are covered in the blood of thousands of Iranian people and officials,” he said.

“The Iranian nation expects the Iranian administration and judiciary to punish the criminals for their deeds, and the judiciary will take the necessary measures in this regard.”

Iran, Iraq judicial collaboration

Regarding the recent judicial cooperation between Iran and Iraq, Kanaani pointed out that reciprocal consultations and collaborations are necessary for this kind of bilateral cooperation, which is one of the most significant kinds of cooperation between the two countries.

Culled from Tehran Times