Iran accuses Israel, USA of threatening regional, global security

Iran has accused Israel of driving instability across West Asia and the United States of becoming a major source of tension for the wider international community, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday.

Speaking at a weekly press conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, Baghaei criticized the Trump administration’s hostile actions against countries such as Venezuela and its support for Israel’s operations in West Asia.

Israel’s military operations in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria remain the most pressing issue for the region, Baghaei said.

He noted that Israel has committed “nearly 600” violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which seriously undermines regional security.

Baghaei condemned Israel for expanding attacks beyond Gaza and escalating tensions in neighboring countries.

“Israel has not kept any of its promises. Instead, it has launched more attacks in Lebanon and carried out assassinations of figures from various sectors in the country. Israel not only threatens the security and stability of its neighbors, but also harms the well-being of their people,” he said.

Baghaei also criticized the U.S. declaration that Venezuela’s airspace should be considered closed, calling it an “unprecedented action” that violates international standards and regulations, including those governing aviation safety and security.

He called on the United Nations Security Council to recognize that the U.S. actions are contrary to global peace and security, warning that the consequences will be borne by the international community.

He further cited Trump’s threats against African countries, such as his announcement to block South Africa from participating in next year’s G20 summit, as another example of Washington’s hostile approach.

“The reality is that the United States is not only the biggest threat to international peace and security, but also the largest destroyer of the global non-proliferation regime,” the spokesman said.

Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, Baghaei said the current stalemate arises from Britain, France and Germany abandoning earlier commitments under U.S. pressure and taking steps that have hindered progress.

Iran, he said, will continue to exercise the rights granted under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, stressing that resolving the issue requires avoiding the use of force and recognizing Iran’s legitimate rights.

Hong Kong’s stock market ended higher on Tuesday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index up 0.24 percent to close at 26,095.05 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index edged up 0.11 percent to 9,182.65 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index dropped 0.37 percent to 5,624.04 points.