Shashi Tharoor meets Iranian envoy, discusses peace prospects amid regional tensions

Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Tuesday and discussed "prospects for peace" in the region amid the ongoing tensions. Tharoor also met with Omid Bebellian, an Iranian diplomat.

"Received a courtesy call from Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali @iranambIndia yesterday. We had a detailed and constructive discussion on current events and on the prospects for peace and regional stability at this difficult time. The Ambassador, a former Deputy Foreign Minister, was accompanied by Omid Bebelian, the first Iranian diplomat with a PhD in Modern Indian Studies!" Tharoor posted on X.

Earlier this month, Iran's envoy to India, Ambassador Mohammad Fathali, said that the Iranian delegation was ready for peace but said that Iran would continue talks only if its rights are recognised, after Washington and Tehran hit a stalemate during recent ceasefire negotiations.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Fathali said key issues in the negotiations held in Islamabad, Pakistan included nuclear concerns, sanctions relief, war reparations and other conditions, but said that some demands of the US were "unlawful".

"Our high-ranking officials and delegations said that we are ready for peace. We are ready for negotiation. But you should know that, and you should be aware that Iran is also ready for war..." he said.

Asked whether Iran would agree to a second round of talks, the Iranian envoy said, "We have formally and officially announced that if they (US) accept our conditions, it is predictable that we will have another negotiation."

The envoy warned that a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would violate international law and global norms, and confirmed that Iran will keep the strait open for friendly countries, including India.

He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for their support to Iran in the difficult times. He described India as a "reliable and compassionate" partner while asserting Tehran's territorial authority over the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing regional tensions.

"I want to thank the Indian people. They have demonstrated that they are truly reliable and compassionate in times of hardship. We have a good relation with the Indian government, we want good preparation for Indian ships," he said while assuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," Fathali said.

"For Indian ships, you know that we have a good relationship with the Indian government. We want good preparation for Indian ships. You know our Foreign Minister has described India as one of the five countries as a friend," he added.

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