ERBIL () - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Friday that the withdrawal of US forces from the region is not something that can happen overnight, while stressing that the importance of dialogue between Tehran and regional countries should not be underestimated.
Speaking at a press conference Friday evening, Baghaei said regional security should be ensured through dialogue among the countries of the region and without the presence of foreign forces.
He said the past six months had witnessed major developments. Despite Iran targeting US military bases on the territory of some regional countries, Baghaei stressed that Tehran has consistently maintained that it does not want war with those countries and respects their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Baghaei acknowledged that the withdrawal of foreign troops from the region would take time, saying it was not something that could be achieved within a day or overnight.
At the same time, he emphasized the importance of dialogue between Tehran and countries in the region, arguing that regional security should ultimately be established through cooperation among regional states rather than through the presence of foreign military forces.
Meanwhile, US forces and aircraft carriers have continued to blockade Iranian ports. Washington has also intensified economic pressure and sanctions on Tehran.
US sanctions targeting shipping activity linked to Iran have halted Iranian crude oil exports since the sanctions were imposed in mid-July, according to the information provided.
The situation has also deprived Tehran of foreign currency, particularly as prices have risen and the value of the domestic currency has declined.
Separately, Pakistan has renewed efforts to encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table.
A Pakistani official said Friday that talks took place last Thursday between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir.
The meeting focused on preventing the expansion of the war between Washington and Tehran, the possibility of returning to negotiations and easing tensions.
