WANA (Mar 28) – Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf strongly criticized Israel and its Western allies during a speech at the Quds Day rally in Tehran, calling the Palestinian crisis a “tragic saga” that affects not only the Muslim world but all of humanity. He also described the recent U.S. letter regarding sanctions relief as “gangster-like diplomacy” and proof of Washington’s arrogance and stated any aggression against Iran would ignite a regional explosion.

 

Speaking at the International Quds Day rally in Tehran on Friday, March 28, 2025, Ghalibaf expressed gratitude to the Iranian people for their participation in the nationwide demonstrations in support of Palestine. “The presence of the people in this great rally is undoubtedly one of the most valuable righteous deeds,” he stated.

 

A Global Tragedy and a Lesson for the Future

Ghalibaf emphasized that the plight of the Palestinian people is not just a matter of concern for Muslims but a broader humanitarian crisis.

 

“The dispossession of the Palestinian nation and the creation of a fabricated state through crimes such as genocide, imprisonment, assassinations, torture, and the killing of women and children are injustices that even contradict the declared values of Western civilization,” he said.

 

He further criticized Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, for their unwavering support of Israel, stating that the Palestinian issue exposes the profound contradiction between the West’s proclaimed values and its actions.

 

“The double standards of the West throughout history have been a disgrace to their civilization, and future generations will reject their deceitful policies,” he remarked.

Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran, March 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Resistance Against Western Backing of Israel

Ghalibaf pointed to the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, launched 18 months ago, as a justified response to 77 years of Israeli aggression facilitated by American and British support.

 

“The Palestinian resistance is not just facing Israel alone; if it were only the Zionist regime, it would not have lasted even a week. Israel is a dependent regime, devoid of intrinsic strength—it is sustained solely by the U.S.,” he asserted.

 

He accused the U.S. of maintaining Israel as a tool for oppression in the region. “Without American military, intelligence, and political backing, this illegitimate and criminal entity would not survive,” he added, stressing that other global players, particularly Britain, have played a key role in perpetuating the crisis.

 

“The Muslim world has once again suffered a betrayal by Britain. While the U.S.-Israel relationship is one of alliance and support, the UK-Israel relationship is akin to that of a father and son. Britain is attempting to complete a project it began during World War I,” he claimed.

 

Defying Western Imperialism and Israeli Aggression

The Iranian speaker also accused Western powers of disregarding even the laws of warfare in their aggression against Palestine. “They attack Palestinians with all their technological and military might, using illegal weapons. Yet, the resistance has demonstrated strength even after ceasefires, negotiating with dignity and securing the release of its prisoners,” he said.

 

Referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s stance, Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran does not act through proxies. “The Muslim youth and resistance fighters stand against oppression on their own accord. We have paid a heavy price, losing great martyrs like General Soleimani and countless others, but today, we stand firm against the global war imposed by the imperialist system,” he added.

 

He highlighted the historical failures of the Israeli regime, recalling that between 1948 and 1973, Arab nations consistently lost territory in wars with Israel, only to have Israel later violate peace agreements.

 

“Strategically and tactically, Israel and its Western backers have failed in their objectives. They invested in Israel as a regional enforcer, but instead, Israel has become an unsustainable parasite, surviving only on American support,” he said.

 

Ghalibaf pointed out that while Israel was originally intended to secure U.S. interests in the region, today, the U.S. must expend resources to sustain Israel.

 

He referenced recent statements by U.S. officials, who admitted that even if Israel did not exist, Washington would need to create a similar entity to protect its regional interests.

Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran, March 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The Erosion of Israeli Security and Economic Stability

According to Ghalibaf, Israel’s internal disarray became evident after the Al-Aqsa Storm operation. “When the Israeli foreign minister arrived in Tel Aviv at the onset of the operation, he found the military command in complete disarray. Israel’s security apparatus now relies entirely on American advisors,” he revealed.

 

He argued that Israel’s so-called security has collapsed, citing the increasing emigration of settlers from occupied territories. “Israel was marketed as a safe haven, yet today, it is plagued by reverse migration and deepening insecurity,” he said.

 

Ghalibaf also pointed to Israel’s economic struggles, stating that Zionist capitalists are losing confidence in the regime’s future. “Even Israel’s own financiers are hesitant to invest because they see no long-term prospects for the regime’s survival,” he noted.

 

Iran’s Commitment to Palestine and Sovereign Resistance

Reflecting on the historical stance of the Islamic Republic, Ghalibaf recalled that Imam Khomeini condemned Israel and identified the U.S. as the primary culprit.

 

Following the Islamic Revolution, Iran established Quds Day as an annual demonstration of global solidarity with Palestine. “What was once a regional issue has now become a global cause for freedom seekers and those with a sense of humanity,” he stated.

 

He criticized the Biden administration for cutting funding to universities that support Palestine. “Today, we see that even in the U.S., students who stand with Palestine face repression,” he remarked.

 

Ghalibaf recounted his recent trip to Beirut amid heightened tensions, where he witnessed firsthand the resilience of Hezbollah. “Despite Israel’s full military support from the U.S., its army could not advance even a meter into Lebanon and failed to subdue Gaza. The resistance fighters forced Israel into ceasefires and retreats,” he said.

 

He asserted that Israel is politically paralyzed. “The reality is that Israel has failed in both military and strategic domains. Resistance missiles still strike Ben Gurion Airport, proving that the Zionist regime and its American backers are the ones truly defeated,” he claimed.

 

Rejecting U.S. Pressure and Defending Iran’s Sovereignty

Ghalibaf also addressed Iran’s stance against Western coercion, stating that U.S. calls for negotiations are merely tactics to impose disarmament on Tehran.

 

“Our people understand that negotiations under threat are just a cover for forcing Iran into submission. But Iran will never accept such dictates,” he stressed.

 

He criticized a recent U.S. letter regarding sanctions relief, describing it as “gangster-like diplomacy” and proof of Washington’s arrogance, even towards its own allies.

 

“Iran cannot be deceived or coerced. We stand strong with the support of our people, our wise and courageous leader, and our revolutionary armed forces. Any aggression against Iran will ignite a regional explosion, threatening U.S. bases and allies alike,” he warned.

 

He concluded by asserting that Iran’s path to economic resilience lies in self-reliance. “By strengthening our domestic economy and maintaining national unity, we will force the enemy to acknowledge reality and return to fair negotiations. The world has not forgotten that it was the U.S. that violated the JCPOA first. We will not repeat past mistakes, but we will ensure that the enemy’s strategy of blackmail and coercion fails,” he stated.

Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran, March 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)