Iran says MoU with Washington in interests of Tehran

TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that the peace memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US is in the interests of Iran, West Asia and the world.

At a ceremony in Tehran, Pezeshkian said that with the MoU's implementation, the United States and Israel will not be able to cause chaos, aggression and insecurity in the region, and regional states will be able to pursue the path of stability and development, according to a statement published by his office.

The president highlighted the need for foiling the "enemies' sinister plots" through the promotion of unity and solidarity among Muslim states.

Iran did not start the war, he said. "We do not welcome war, but will stand strongly against any aggressor, and no power can force a nation that is standing with all its might and will into surrender."

On Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim countries to recognize their "true enemies", understand their plots and confront them.

In a written message marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, Khamenei said the solution to the problems of the Islamic world lies in maintaining unity, friendship, and cooperation in the pursuit of goodness and virtue.

"My strong and repeated advice to the rulers of Islamic countries, especially those in the West Asia region and the Persian Gulf, is to recognize your true enemies, understand their plan, and confront them," he said.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in a social media post on Saturday that "major" efforts are underway to manipulate global energy markets for personal gains and prolong the US-Israeli war against Iran.

On June 18, the US and Iran signed the MoU on ending the war in the region on all fronts. Under the MoU, they were scheduled to hold negotiations within 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the fate of the talks remains unclear following the escalation between the two countries last month.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz would not open until the US meets its agreements under the MoU, Iran International English reported, citing Iranian media.

"The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and any vessel passing through the strait does so in coordination with Iran," he said. "We will continue our own defensive measures and are prepared for any scenario."

XINHUA-AGENCIES