Addressing his press conference on Monday, Kanaani said that "we assure that our borders are safe and we continue to follow up developments in the Caucasus with sensitivity and seriousness."
We are in contact with the authorities of Azerbaijan and Armenia, he said, adding that the Armenian authorities have expressed concern about the possibility of a new military conflict with Azerbaijan.
This is while Baku authorities have sent Iran a message that they have no intention of a military attack and that the recent troop movements were only a conventional military act on the eve of winter, he added.
Prisoner swap in near future
The spokesman referred to the prisoner swap between Iran and the United States based on an agreement between the two sides, noting that we are optimistic that the prisoner swap would take place in the near future.
Kanaani further pointed to the unblocking of frozen financial assets of Iran in accordance with the mutual understanding, arguing that given the practical process that we have witnessed so far, we hope that the transaction would occur in the coming days; so, the Islamic Republic would be capable of having full access to its assets.
According to the diplomat, Iran can purchase all non-sanctioned commodities by the use of its unfrozen assets; thus, the issue does not have anything to do with media propagation on procuring medicine and food.
The latest developments on Iran-Iraq security pact
The Foreign Ministry spokesman also commented on implementing a security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad, stating that the deadline for the implementation of the accord comes to an end on September 19, when the Iraqi side is expected to disarm terrorist and separatist groups in the Kurdistan region of the Arab country.
The deadline will not be extended under any circumstances, he warned, adding that he and other Iranian authorities announced the issue officially and that it has been conveyed to the high-ranking officials in Baghdad as well as the local government of the Kurdistan region.
IAEA and its duties
Kanaani called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to carry out its professional duties far from the political pressures.
Referring to the upcoming meeting of the IAEA board of governors, the spokesman underlined that the today session is to review Iran’s nuclear activities under the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and to take the remaining related issues into consideration.
About the visit of a representative from the European Union to Iran, the official said the EU official was willing to travel to Tehran.
He added that Tehran has always reiterated that consultations and cooperation should be made based on mutual respect.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his political deputy have held good talks with the EU envoy for the Persian Gulf affairs, Kanaani said.
Recent tension in the Caucasus
Karabakh is a part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the rights and security of the people of this region must be determined specifically, Kanaani said.
Iran has always emphasized respecting the territorial integrity of countries and has always opposed any change in the international borders, he added.
The mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of both sides by Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will be an important step to achieve lasting peace and security, he said, adding that Iran does not support any action against these principles.
Informing Saudi Arabia of dangers caused by Zionist regime’s presence in region
Iran’s fundamental view regarding the fake nature of the Zionist regime is unchangeable, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
We consider the presence of the Zionist regime in the region as disruptive to security, regional peace, and multilateral cooperation, Kanaani stated.
Details of the attack on the Iranian embassy in Paris
He condemned the regretted attack on Iran's diplomatic mission in Paris, saying that the attack on the consular department is an attempt to disrupt its activities and violate the rights of citizens who visit our embassy on a daily basis to perform their consular affairs.
The French government is also responsible for the security of the Iranian embassy in France within the framework, he stressed.
US presence in region disturbing security
The spokesman pointed to the presence of foreign military forces in the West Asia region, saying that we see the presence of extra-regional troops in the region as a threat to stability and security because regional security needs to be maintained by the countries inside the region; so, our viewpoint on the presence of the United States forces in the region is clear-cut.
The US military forces have never sought to preserve security, he said, adding that wherever they have had a presence so far, they have created instability and insecurity; therefore, it would be better for the states of the region to resolve their differences through dialogue and intra-regional cooperation.
Iran thanks Iraq for Arbaeen trek
Kanaani appreciated the Iraqi government and people for their noble hospitality during the Arbaeen procession, noting that millions of devotees of Imam Hussain (A.S) from all sects took part in the procession peacefully and that they called for respecting human values, which is an obvious instance of constructive collaboration to hold such a great procession.
Development of Tehran-Moscow collaborations
He also expressed satisfaction with the growing Iran-Russia cooperation, adding that the two sides enjoy numerous fields of cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism affairs. Both countries are holding talks on finalizing a comprehensive document with the aim of drawing up an inclusive roadmap and paving the way for the implementation of agreements between the two governments, he mentioned.
Countries’ willingness to invest in INSTC
The spokesman highlighted the potential of the International North-South Transport Corridor and said that various world countries are willing to make investment in the INSTC project as it is of benefit to them.
So, the International North-South Transport Corridor is the best alternative for India despite all media speculations about the issue, Kanaani said adding that the economic realities will finally overcome political objectives.
The INSTC is a sea, rail, and road route expected to facilitate and boost exchange of goods between Iran, India, Russia, Europe, and the Central Asian states.
Chabahar; strategic port in south of Iran
As the spokesman said, many world states are after using the Chabahar capacities.
On the issue of the anti-Iran sanctions, the spokesman noted that the arms embargo will be lifted within next few weeks as the Iranian defense minister has already confirmed the issue.
He went on to say that the Islamic Republic of Iran sees it as a right to take reciprocal measures against unconstructive actions.
Touching upon the joint statement released recently by some Arab countries and Japan about Iran’s three islands, the spokesman said the Islamic Republic has already expressed its firm stance on the issue.
Iran will not tolerate any unwise remarks about its territory and will react to them, the official further noted.
Umrah for Iranians
Hajj and Umrah have been raised in the bilateral talks between the Iranian and Saudi authorities, Kanaani said.
Pursuing the release of Iranian prisoners in Türkiye
He said that the negotiations have been held in this regard but there is no exact about the final results.
The Zionist minister’s meeting with some anti-revolution elements
Foreigners have played a role in fomenting instability in Iran, Kanaani pointed out.
The recent meeting in London regarding the US’ financial support for this meeting is only a small part of a bigger story that we witnessed last year, he added.
We have asked the officials in London to explain about the reason behind holding such an event, he stressed.
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