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Araghchi Pledges Foreign Policy Aligned with Khamenei’s Guidance

Abbas Araghchi outlines his program to the Iranian parliament before confidence vote (Tasnim)
Abbas Araghchi outlines his program to the Iranian parliament before confidence vote (Tasnim)
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Araghchi Pledges Foreign Policy Aligned with Khamenei’s Guidance

Abbas Araghchi outlines his program to the Iranian parliament before confidence vote (Tasnim)
Abbas Araghchi outlines his program to the Iranian parliament before confidence vote (Tasnim)

Veteran diplomat Abbas Araghchi defended his record as Iran’s parliament debated his nomination for foreign minister, with lawmakers divided over his role in the 2015 nuclear deal.
Some criticized his involvement in the agreement, while others praised his loyalty to the directives of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his efforts to align diplomacy with military strategy, particularly the Revolutionary Guards’ role in regional foreign policy.
The parliament continued its review of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet nominees, focusing on candidates for the intelligence, economy, health, and foreign ministries.
In his pitch to become the country’s top diplomat, Araghchi promised a “comprehensive and effective” foreign policy to tackle regional and global challenges, insisting on an approach free from political biases.
He outlined three key goals: protecting national interests, strengthening security, and upholding the country’s dignity.
Araghchi emphasized that the regime’s positions, parliamentary laws, and the Supreme Leader’s guidance would be his main directives.
“I will serve the Supreme Leader, be accountable to parliament, and protect the nation’s interests,” Araghchi said, reaffirming his commitment to countering sanctions while staying alert to changes in the global landscape.
Additionally, Araghchi outlined his top foreign policy priorities, placing China, Russia, and emerging powers in Africa, Latin America, and East Asia at the forefront.
“These nations supported us during sanctions, and they will be central to our foreign policy,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of “good neighborliness,” vowing to strengthen ties with neighboring countries to capitalize on political and economic opportunities.
Regarding Europe, Araghchi took a cautious stance: “If Europe changes its hostile behavior, it will become a priority.”
Regarding the US, the foreign minister hopeful stated that Iran’s approach would focus on “managing conflict” rather than resolving it.
Discussing nuclear negotiations, Araghchi highlighted his consistent commitment to the regime’s positions.

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Philippines, China Trade Blame after Vessels Collide in the South China Sea

FILE PHOTO: Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal
FILE PHOTO: Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal
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Philippines, China Trade Blame after Vessels Collide in the South China Sea

FILE PHOTO: Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal
FILE PHOTO: Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal

The Philippines and China accused each other on Monday of ramming vessels and performing dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea, the latest flare-up after the two nations had agreed to try to ease tensions and manage disagreements at sea.
China's Coast Guard said in a statement a Philippine vessel which had ignored its repeated warnings "deliberately collided" with a Chinese vessel in an "unprofessional and dangerous" manner in the disputed waterway early on Monday, Reuters reported.
The Philippines disputed Beijing's account and accused it of "imposing its version of facts." It said two of its coast guard vessels "encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" from Chinese vessels near Sabina Shoal while on their way to supply Filipino personnel stationed in two occupied islands.
"These dangerous maneuvers resulted in collisions, causing structural damage to both PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) vessels," said Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the national security council and Manila's South China Sea task force.
Manila said coast guard vessels Cape Engano and Bagacay were on their way to resupply personnel stationed in Flat Island which Manila calls Patag, and Lawak Island which China calls Nanshan, when the at-sea confrontation happened near Sabina Shoal.
A collision occurred between Cape Engano and a Chinese coast guard ship at around 3:24 a.m. on Monday (1924 GMT on Sunday), Manila said.
Around 16 minutes later, a Chinese coast guard ship rammed Manila's guard vessel Bagacay twice, damaging its auxiliary room, where a 3-foot (1 meter) -wide hole was inflicted, according to Philippine officials and images shared by the PCG.
"This is the biggest structural damage that we have incurred as a result of the dangerous maneuvers carried out by the Chinese Coast Guard," PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela said.
The Chinese Coast Guard posted a short video of the incident which showed what it said was a Philippine coast guard ship "deliberately ramming" with what it said was one of their vessels. Malaya said that video was misleading.
China's maritime security said the same Philippine vessel involved in the collision then entered waters near Second Thomas Shoal after being prevented from entering Sabina Shoal waters.
Sabina Shoal is in the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels "illegally intruded" into waters adjacent to Sabina Shoal without permission in the early hours on Monday, according to China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu.
"The Philippines has repeatedly provoked and caused trouble, violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines," Gan said, referring to Philippines' supplies missions to a vessel grounded on Second Thomas Shoal.
China's Coast Guard said it took control measures against the Philippine ships in accordance with the law in the incidents early Monday, and warned the Philippines to "immediately stop infringement and provocation" or "bear all consequences".
The Philippine task force said both of its vessels will continue with their mission to supply personnel in Flat Island.
"The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea urges restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws to prevent further escalations and ensure the safety of all vessels operating in the region," it said.
The incident came less than two weeks after an air incident between the Chinese and Philippines militaries in Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippines is "disappointed" with the latest maritime encounter which came after it agreed to a provisional agreement with China in July over its resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal, Malaya said.
China has been sharply criticized by Western nations for aggression in blocking Philippine efforts to resupply troops aboard a navy ship it intentionally grounded 25 years ago.
Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including both shoals, rejecting a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that Beijing's expansive claims had no basis under international law.