TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdulahian has called on Sweden’s new government to expedite the release of Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian judicial official held in Sweden.
In a phone call with Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Birstrom on Friday, Amir Abdulahian warned of the negative impact such illegal imprisonment would have on relations between the two countries.
Amir Abdulahian claims that relations between Tehran and Stockholm have been severely damaged by the politicization of the Nouri case and seeks to obstruct legal investigations into his case by the terrorist Mujahideen-e-Khalq Organization (MKO). there is
A senior Iranian diplomat said, “Certain difficulties have adversely affected relations between the two countries in recent years, largely as a result of negative moves and actions by third parties.”
He declared that “dialogue and cooperation with the European Union have always been welcomed by the Islamic Republic.”
Three years ago, Nouri was detained upon arrival at Stockholm airport. Swedish authorities claimed he was involved in the 1988 murder and torture of his MKO members. He strongly denies the false accusations.
Nouri was sentenced to life in prison by a Swedish court in July. Nouri was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Iranian officials claim the verdict is based on claims by the cult-like MKO, which until recently was under the list of terrorist organizations by the European Union and the United States.
Amir Abdulahian emphasized the existing close relationship between Iran and Sweden and recommended closer cooperation between the two countries in the future.
Sweden’s foreign minister expressed concern about the negative impact that Mr Nouri’s case had on relations between the two countries and vowed to pursue it vigorously.
He stressed Stockholm’s unwavering desire to strengthen ties with Tehran and urged Iran to cooperate further in dealing with the issue of some Swedish citizens arrested there.
Amir Abdollahian and Billstrom discussed topics of mutual interest and global events throughout the conference call.
‘Iran opposes continuation of war in Ukraine and calls for ceasefire’
In a telephone call with Bulgaria’s Nikolai Milov on Saturday, Amir Abdulahian also said his country opposed extending the war in Ukraine and was working to achieve a truce between the warring parties.
Amir Abdulahian also denied Western accusations that Tehran supplied drones to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict.
“Although we do not restrict arms exports and purchases under Security Council Resolution 2231, we have never sent weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine,” he explained.
He went on to say that the Islamic Republic likewise opposes NATO expansion in the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani made a similar statement earlier in the day, denying claims that Iran provided Russia with weapons to use against Ukraine.
Kanani argued that the Islamic Republic opposes all forms of conflict and supports a truce and peace in Ukraine.
“Sending Iranian weapons to Russia for use in the Ukraine war is a baseless accusation they raise every day to justify their routine practice of exporting weapons to Ukraine.” Kanani said in a post on his Twitter account.
He added that those who make such allegations against Iran are those who have caused and continued the conflict.
“Iran opposes violence and supports a ceasefire and peace,” a spokesman said.
Tehran has strongly denied that Russia received weapons and drones from Iran for use against Ukraine. Tehran maintains a long-standing defense partnership with Moscow and seeks a peaceful resolution of the crisis through negotiation and diplomacy.
Allegations against Iran first surfaced in July when U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the Islamic Republic would send Russia “up to hundreds of drones, including weapon-ready UAVs, on a rapid timeline.” Washington claimed to have “intelligence” that suggested it was preparing to provide “For use in the conflict in Ukraine,” he said.
Concurrent with accusations against Iran, Kyiv has received various munitions and weapons from the United States and its European allies, fueling conflict in the former Soviet republic.
“Certain Western countries have taken an ‘unconstructive’ approach in response to the riots.”
Also on Friday, Amir Abdullahian criticized several Western countries’ “unconstructive” attitudes and actions in relation to the Iranian unrest.
Amir Abdulahian said in a phone call with Spain’s José Manuel Alvarez that certain European officials are pursuing “partisan ambitions rather than national interests” during turmoil in Iran. said.
Amir Abdulahian also said in relation to diplomatic attempts to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal: This is because Germany, France and the United Kingdom have failed to meet their international obligations to the nuclear deal since 2018 following the imposition of sanctions by the Trump administration. ”
The senior Iranian diplomat also stressed the long-standing ties between the two countries and expressed support for the continued development of Tehran-Madrid relations.
He thanked Spain for its stance on the recent terrorist attacks in the southern city of Shiraz.
Alvarez condemned the terrorist attack in Shiraz and conveyed the Spanish government’s sympathy for the Iranian people.
Spain’s Foreign Minister stressed the need for dialogue and characterized the relationship between the two countries as “historic”.
