Kathmandu— Ali Akbar Velayati, the adviser on international affairs to Iran's Supreme Leader, asserted on Saturday that foreign forces must leave the region following recent developments that he claims demonstrate the resilience of the Iranian armed forces and the steadfastness of the Iranian people.

Call for Regional Withdrawal

In a statement shared via X, Velayati praised the resilience of the Iranian armed forces and the courage of the Resistance Axis. He claimed that the perceived defeat of the United States and the Zionist regime has reinforced the belief that foreign forces are the primary cause of insecurity in the region and must depart.

Velayati also advocated for increased cooperation among West Asian states, suggesting that growing collaboration between regional nations is the key to securing the area's stability.

Strait of Hormuz Negotiations

Amid these geopolitical assertions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed ongoing negotiations with Oman regarding maritime traffic. He clarified that a recent understanding with Muscat to regulate traffic through the Strait of Hormuz does not constitute a reopening of the strategic waterway.

Araghchi noted that while officials are working out a provisional shipping route to manage technical complexities, the parties are close to a final result. However, he emphasized that any reopening of the strait remains subject to additional conditions, including compensation for the United States for violating a previous memorandum of understanding.

Diplomatic Stance and National Interests

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also reaffirmed the administration's commitment to diplomatic engagement to protect national interests. In an interview published on his official website, Pezeshkian defended the decision to negotiate with the United States and sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war.

While expressing a willingness to honor commitments, Pezeshkian maintained that Iran's cooperation is contingent upon American compliance. "Wherever they fail to fulfil their commitment, we have no obligation to continue," the president stated.

Negotiations regarding a provisional shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz remain ongoing.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.