Iran pursues peace with strength, diplomacy with dignity: Deputy FM

Kazem Gharibabadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, made remarks on the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr on May 24, 1982. The strategic Iranian port city was liberated after more than 500 days of Iraqi occupation during the eight-year imposed war on Iran.

Gharibabadi stated that the 3rd of Khordad in the Iranian calendar (May 24) serves as a reminder of an enduring truth in Iran's history: a nation that is a victim of aggression and occupation reserves the inherent right to legitimate defense of its territory, independence, and dignity. He described Khorramshahr as a symbol of the victory of national determination over aggression, which began with calculations of world powers supporting the aggressor but failed in the face of the Iranian nation's faith, resistance, and self-reliance.

"Today, Iran follows the same logic: peace with strength, diplomacy with dignity, and a resolute defense of territorial integrity, independence, and rights of our beloved people and country of Iran," Gharibabadi said.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions with the US and Israel. According to reports, the US and Israeli regime began an illegal war of aggression on Iran on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders. In response, the Iranian armed forces launched 100 waves of successful retaliatory strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region. The aggression failed to overthrow Iran's Islamic establishment and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels, as reported by Press TV.

On April 8, a Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire went into effect. However, the first round of Tehran-Washington negotiations failed to reach an agreement. The US unilaterally extended the truce after its expiry but imposed a naval blockade on Iran. Pakistan continued its mediation efforts and managed to bring Tehran and Washington closer to finalizing a 14-point memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war on the Islamic Republic, according to Mehr News Agency.