ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, emphasized on Thursday that Iran is committed to peace and reserves the right to defend itself from any external attacks.
During a media briefing at the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Moghadam stated that the Iranian government is actively working to control inflation while ensuring market stability.
He highlighted the government’s recognition of the right to protest, noting that earlier demonstrations were peaceful, with participants displaying images of the Supreme Leader and Iranian flags.
Ambassador Moghadam quoted the Supreme Leader instructing government officials to address the grievances of protesters, resulting in representatives being invited to a cabinet meeting to discuss their issues.
As some protests turned violent, leading to attacks on public property and security forces, Moghadam clarified that these acts do not reflect the intentions of peaceful protesters.
The use of advanced weapons by violent elements was noted, and the ambassador affirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining order while acknowledging valid citizen concerns.
He expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its support in achieving peace and reaffirmed that Iran has no plans to target any head of state, focusing instead on diplomatic solutions.
Ambassador Moghadam revealed concerning statistics about the protests, reporting over 3,000 fatalities, including numerous security personnel, alongside significant damage to infrastructure. He reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving citizen issues while ensuring national security.
In conclusion, he stressed that Iran seeks peace but is prepared to defend itself if necessary, expressing hope that diplomacy will succeed, stating, “There is still hope for avoiding war. The success of these efforts lies in our hands and those of the opposing side.”
