Iran Press/ America: Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani, in an exclusive interview with NBC, an American news channel, said that Iran’s policy regarding the latest developments in the Western Asia region is to control the regional situation and not let things get out of hand while insisting that using the language of threat against Iran will go nowhere.
Iravani made the remarks in an interview with the NBC News which was published on Wednesday.
“Our policy is to control the situation. We never want to spill over the conflict in the region. We want to keep the situation in the region calm and ease the tensions,” he said in the interview.
The Iranian ambassador reiterated that resistance groups in the region that have been attacking US and Israeli targets are independent in their moves and decisions, saying that the root cause of the conflict in the region is the Israeli way of treating the Palestinians.
Israeli aggression against Palestinians root cause of the conflict in the region
In response to NBC's question regarding how to deescalate tension in the region, Iravani noted: "We should consider the root causes of this conflict. Without paying attention to the root cause, we cannot find a solution for that. We understand that the root causes are the actions of the Israeli regime in the region that are related to the occupation, usurpation of the Palestinians’ lands, and the violation of their rights. So, if we want to solve the problems and have tranquility in the region, we should address the root causes of the conflict. Our policy is to control the situation. We never want to spill over the conflict in the region. We want to keep the situation in the region calm and ease the tensions. It is however not a one-sided relationship, the other side should also control the situation, after which we may see a calm situation in the region."
Iran's envoy emphasized that the immediate solution should be a full ceasefire in Gaza. After the ceasefire, we can understand how we can manage the situation in other parts of the region.
Resistance groups act independently
Iravani regarding the relations between Iran resistance groups in the region said: "To understand the issue, I may say that the relation between Iran and resistance groups in the region could be compared to NATO. In NATO, there is Article 5. If any member of NATO faces army aggression, the other can choose to react individually or collectively. Our relationship with the resistant groups may be considered within this framework as well.
Iravani added: "This might be considered some sort of a defense pact between resistance groups and Iran. They have their own independent decisions, choices, benefits, and interests, but they have general coordination and collaboration with each other. When one part of the system has been damaged and faced aggression by the Israeli regime, the other parts of the resistant system will have their reaction to support, to show their sympathy towards the Palestinian people. It is a fact that they feel the responsibility to defend their brothers and sisters in Gaza."
Regarding the Ansarallah attacks, targeting the Israeli regime's shipping, Iravani said: "This decision to support Palestinians is solely related to them. They have their weapons. You have to understand that they have been under the war for eight years. They have lots of experience, they could overcome their shortcomings, and they are self-reliant and self-deterrent."
Iran's envoy added: "We would like to see peace and stability in the region, thus we are encouraging them to stop. But I have already said that it's a two-way road. One side cannot do it alone, the other side should fulfill the responsibility in this case. We encourage them to stop, and we expect that the other side also encourages the Israelis to stop."
Iran has no role in resistance groups' attacks on US forces in the region
Iravani, regarding the US position in the region, said: "Our argument is the same as the US What does the US say? The US says that they are weaponizing Israelis for the war, they say they are providing what the Israelis need for the war. They do not hesitate to say it openly. In our case, our argument is the same. We help them, we assist them in defending against the occupiers. That is the same argument. We are not involved directly or indirectly. We have no control or command over any resistance groups. It's their own decisions, it’s their recognition of what they have to do according to their interests and benefits."
Answering a question regarding the possibility of an American attack on Iran or Iranian interests, Iravani noted: "Iran will react firmly to any threat. We have already said clearly that if they attack Iran’s soil or Iranian benefits or individuals all around the world, we have our reaction. We will absolutely defend. We will give a resolute response to any aggression."
October 7th Al-Aqsa Flood operation
Iran's ambassador to the UN regarding the situation in Gaza, said: "We cannot read this book from the middle pages. This story did not start on October 7th. It goes back to 75 years of humiliation and occupation of Palestinian rights. The Israelis have deprived the Palestinians of inherent rights. So sometimes it is a natural reaction of the people.
Iravani added: "We have not participated in this decision. It was a Palestinian decision, implemented by Palestinians. We have neither directed nor played any role in this case. But we support some part of their action to preserve their rights, to push back the occupiers, to evacuate and liberate their lands. Yes, we support these goals."
Iravani: "The majority of this conflict started after the invasion of the Israeli regime in Gaza on the 7th of October. If they stop this and bring remedy to the root cause of this crisis, then we can expect other conflicts in the region to find a solution to be resolved."
Iranian senior diplomat added: "Our benefit will not be in the instability, but stability and security in the region. But we think that the stability and security in the region will be on the shoulders of the regional countries, not those who have come from far away."
The US interference in regional affairs
Iravani emphasized: "I think that the language of threats will not work against Iran. The language of cooperation and respect will only work with Iran. If you think that Iran is afraid of the threats, you are absolutely wrong. Iran was under the war for 8 years. We are not afraid of war, but we will never welcome it. We will not initiate any war against any country, but we are prepared to defend our security and interests. So, we are not welcoming the war, but if the other side starts it, they will see a prepared Iran."
Regarding backchannel communications between Tehran and Washington, Iravani said: "There have always been channels, either through the US interests section at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran or through mediatory countries and individuals. There have always been channels to exchange messages and views."
Ambassador Iravani: "We have had discussions. During this US administration, we have had lots of discussions. We reached a framework of understanding for the release of prisoners, our assets unlawfully frozen by the United States in South Korea, and negotiations on how to revive the JCPOA. We concluded all those discussions, and we implemented them. But unfortunately, the U.S. refused to fulfill its responsibilities in certain parts. So, it is difficult to again resume those failed discussions." 219
