US to desist from any ‘provocative’ moves in region: Iran warns

Asserting that it retains the right to use “deterrent measures” in accordance with international law, Iran has urged the United States to refrain from any “provocative” actions in the area, particularly near its borders.

Nasser Kanani, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, claimed that the US government has never played a peaceful or constructive role in the issue of regional security during a weekly press conference on Monday in Tehran.

Iran “monitors with sensitivity and accuracy any illegal and unconstructive act that affects the security of the region, and it will… pay special attention to any provocative and illegal moves, especially near its borders,” he continued.

Kan’ani also issued a warning that the Islamic Republic would use its “inalienable rights” in retaliation for the US actions.

According to him, Iran “reserves the right to take appropriate deterrent measures in accordance with international law, rules, and regulations given the capability of its Armed Forces in protecting the security of borders, as well as that of navigation and aviation in the Persian Gulf region.”

In an effort to “protect ships” from “Iranian seizures,” the US will dispatch F-16 fighter jets to the Persian Gulf this weekend, according to a senior American defense official on Friday.”

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reportedly asserted that the F-16s will increase US military visibility in the region and provide air cover for ships passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The Greater and Lesser Tunbs, three islands in the Persian Gulf, are a part of Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, which Kan’ani emphasized during his media briefing.

Accordingly, Iran “views the interference of any party, including the UAE and Russia, as unacceptable and rejects it,” the official said, adding that the nation will respond strongly to such actions.

In a joint statement released last week, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Russia questioned Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands.

According to the rules of international law and the United Nations Charter, the ministers stated that the dispute should be resolved through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.

The top Iranian diplomat claimed that Moscow has received an official protest from Tehran regarding this.

He argued that Iran’s unquestionable and non-negotiable sovereignty over the three Iranian islands will not be affected by political, inaccurate, or unproductive positions.

source presstv