Iran Asks S. Korea to Help Prevent Escalation, Support Diplomacy at UNSC
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian foreign minister called on South Korea, as the rotating president of the UN Security Council, to help block moves that could fuel tensions and instead facilitate diplomacy in handling issues related to Tehran’s nuclear program.
In a telephone conversation on Friday, the foreign ministers of Iran and South Korea exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international developments, focusing particularly on the planned UN Security Council vote regarding Seoul’s draft resolution to lift sanctions against Tehran.
During the call, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized Tehran’s readiness to broaden cooperation with South Korea across all fields.
Highlighting the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, Araqchi reiterated that Tehran has always considered diplomacy as the only viable solution to international issues, including its nuclear file. He added that Iran is prepared to pursue any fair and balanced approach that guarantees mutual interests.
He also underlined that South Korea, as the rotating president of the UN Security Council whose primary duty is the preservation of peace, is expected to prevent processes that could escalate tensions and instead help pave the way for diplomacy.
For his part, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, whose country holds the presidency of the Security Council for September, reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to the Council’s procedures and expressed hope that all parties would continue their efforts toward a diplomatic settlement.
The two ministers finally agreed to take advantage of the upcoming UN General Assembly session for a bilateral meeting and further consultations.
