The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has welcomed a statement issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in support of an agreement on restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which were severed over the past seven years.

Kanaani expressed hope that the recent agreement reached between Tehran and Riyadh to restore ties would play a positive role in increasing stability, peace, regional development, and dialogue-oriented approaches in the Persian Gulf region.

Kanaani also praised the effective roles of China, Iraq, and Oman in resuming political relations between the two countries.

He considered the support of regional countries for this agreement as a sign of their commitment to strengthening diplomatic initiatives at the regional level.

Kanaani further reaffirmed Iran's permanent stance that the three Iranian islands of Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs are an integral part of the Islamic Republic of Iran's territory.

He dismissed the content of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council's statement regarding Iran's nuclear program and added that Iran is familiar with its international responsibilities and commitments and is committed to them.

Regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he said Iran is interacting and communicating with relevant parties within the technical and political frameworks of the agreement.

The spokesperson emphasized that Iran considers interaction and cooperation with neighbors as the best solution to regional problems, and welcomes positive initiatives based on good neighborliness and international principles and rules in developing relations.

Kanani also rejected remarks linking developments in Yemen to Iran and emphasized the need for realism and progress toward a political solution to end the long-standing crisis in Yemen.

By Tasnim