Iran Press/Africa: Araghchi highlighted what he described as a long-term American-Zionist strategy aimed at weakening and dividing major Islamic nations to ensure the dominance of the occupying regime in the region. He noted, "The actions of the Zionist regime during the Gaza war, including the genocide of over sixty thousand women, children, and civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as its aggressions against Syria and the destruction of its defensive, economic, and infrastructural systems, confirm Iran's warnings about the threat Israel poses to the entire region."
Rising Terrorism in Syria
Araghchi, referencing Iran's advisory presence in Syria to combat ISIS and other terrorist groups, highlighted the sacrifices of martyr General Soleimani. He warned of the resurgence of terrorism in Syria due to the country's instability, posing a threat to all nations in the region.
Araghchi described Iran's support for Syria as not being for any single individual, but rather for the Syrian people, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity against Zionist and terrorist threats. He added that within the framework of the Astana process and bilateral negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran provided recommendations on how to engage with the people and political opposition groups, but the Syrian government maintained its independence and was not under the control of Iran or Russia.
Palestinian Rights, Regional Stability
He said that the primary goal of forming the Axis of Resistance in the region is to combat and confront the occupation and aggression of the Zionist regime in Palestine and to secure the rights of the Palestinians. He stressed that despite the damages suffered in the aftermath of the Gaza war and the martyrdom of some leaders, the resistance has inflicted significant blows on the occupiers. These blows, he added, forced the Israeli regime to negotiate and accept a ceasefire in Lebanon.
He went on to describe the resistance as a noble ideal and a sacred doctrine against the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime. He emphasized that the resistance does not perish with the assassination and martyrdom of its leaders but instead emerges stronger each time.
Araghchi made it clear that it's a misconception to believe that resistance groups are merely extensions of Iran's influence. He stressed that while Iran shares a common goal with the resistance front in combating the Zionist regime and supporting the Palestinian people, each resistance group operates independently and is not under Iran's command.
Calls for Iran-Egypt Collaboration
Araghchi lauded the rich historical and cultural heritage of Iran and Egypt, highlighting their influential roles within the region. He stressed that enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two nations aligns with the broader interests of the region and the Islamic world. Araghchi also noted Iran's steadfast support for Egypt's initiatives to assist the Palestinian people and broker ceasefires.
The 11th summit of the Developing Eight (D-8) group, comprising eight Islamic nations, convened on 19 December 2024 in Cairo, Egypt, to address economic and political changes in the Islamic world.
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