WANA (Aug 18) In a session of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Abbas Araghchi, the nominee for Foreign Minister in the fourteenth administration, detailed his plans for the position. He began by paying tribute to martyrs, including General Qasem Soleimani. He praised a late Foreign Minister described by the Supreme Leader as diligent, active, innovative, and a skilled negotiator—qualities Araghchi aims to embody.

 

Araghchi highlighted his 39-year journey in the Foreign Ministry, emphasizing his commitment to the principles of the Islamic Revolution and Iran’s national interests. He pledged to remain a nonpartisan diplomat focused solely on the nation’s interests and expressed pride in his extensive experience within the ministry.

 

He stressed the importance of independence, resistance to global powers, and support for the oppressed, particularly the Palestinian people, as cornerstones of Iran’s foreign policy. According to Araghchi, these principles, guided by the teachings of Iran’s revolutionary leaders, have shaped the country’s strength and prestige on the global stage.

 

Araghchi concluded by affirming his commitment to building on this foundation, ensuring that Iran’s foreign policy continues to enhance national power, economic progress, and the welfare of the people.

 

Araghchi outlined a comprehensive, active, and impactful foreign policy approach. His strategy aligns with the Constitution, the regime’s overarching policies, the Seventh Development Plan, and the Supreme Leader’s guidance, focusing on dignity, wisdom, and practicality.

 

He emphasized three key missions: safeguarding national interests and wealth, strengthening national security and power, and enhancing the nation’s dignity. He stressed the importance of aligning foreign policy with economic development, securing global market share, and initiating “border diplomacy” to reduce conflicts and strengthen ties with neighbours.

 

Araghchi also highlighted the need for Iran’s foreign policy to remain active and influential globally.

 

The nominee for Foreign Minister in the fourteenth administration announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will adopt a proactive, dynamic, and impactful approach in both regional and global arenas. He emphasized that the neighbourliness policy will continue robustly, aiming to convert substantial political and economic opportunities in neighbouring countries into tangible results.

Araghchi identified China, Russia, and other allies who supported Iran during tough times and sanctions as key priorities, along with emerging powers and new regions in Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. He also stated that if Europe corrects its hostile behaviour towards Iran, it will become a priority. In contrast, the policy toward the U.S. will focus on managing conflict rather than resolving it.

 

Regarding sanctions, Araghchi outlined a strategy focused on neutralizing and mitigating their effects, aligning with the Supreme Leader’s recent directives. The Ministry will work diligently to counteract sanctions while avoiding rushed decisions or prolonged negotiations. The approach will be guided by the regime’s definitive positions, parliamentary laws, and the Supreme Leader’s directives.

 

Araghchi highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and utilizing the legislative body’s influence to advance national interests, power, and dignity in foreign relations, reflecting the Supreme Leader’s recent encouragement for parliamentary involvement in international diplomacy.

 

He affirmed the government’s full support for Iranians abroad, emphasizing the need to address their concerns and leverage their economic and scientific contributions. The administration’s guiding principle will be the pride and dignity of Iran and Iranians.

 

On the issue of the resistance axis, Araghchi confirmed that resistance diplomacy, inspired by General Qasem Soleimani’s legacy, will be central to the administration’s foreign policy. The government will maintain unwavering support for Palestine, Lebanon, and other resistance movements against Israeli policies. It will use all diplomatic and political resources to promote the goals of the resistance axis on the global stage.

 

He also criticized the recent reception of an Israeli leader at the U.S. Congress, describing it as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against global domination and reinforcing the need for self-reliance in the struggle for justice and human rights.

 

Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister nominee, condemned adversaries for their atrocities and criticized those who condone such actions.

 

In response to parliamentary critiques of his handling of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), Araghchi defended his record, stating that negotiations were conducted within the framework of Iran’s established policies and laws.

 

He highlighted that the Supreme Leader’s conditions guided the JCPOA discussions in April 2021. Under President Raisi, efforts to revive the JCPOA continued, though a final agreement was not reached. Iran, China, and Russia recently issued a joint statement inviting the U.S. to return to the deal.

Araghchi also addressed a video shown by MP Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, asserting it reflected his commitment and countering claims about his stance on the U.S. exit from the agreement. He emphasized that, despite 13 opposing votes, U.S. attempts to undermine the JCPOA at the UN Security Council were unsuccessful.

 

Abbas Araghchi, the nominee for Foreign Minister, asserted that negotiations to lift sanctions have always been a priority for the Iranian government and continued under President Raisi’s administration.

 

He highlighted that, despite various criticisms, discussions had been held with JCPOA opponents, and the Supreme Leader emphasized on July 22 this year that neutralizing sanctions is a priority. Still, they can be addressed with honourable means.

 

Araghchi affirmed that the Foreign Ministry’s mission is to pursue sanctions relief through dignified and honourable methods, with collaboration and consensus-building with Parliament.

 

Regarding Martyr Fakhrizadeh, Araghchi expressed deep respect, acknowledging their close working relationship and explaining that, due to the nature of his work, Fakhrizadeh received similar honours in a different setting.

 

Araghchi also addressed his critics, expressing readiness to engage and respond to their concerns, which he viewed as beneficial for foreign policy.

 

He criticized the notion of “death to the homeland,” emphasizing instead a commitment to a nation where critics can speak freely and question government authority.

 

He emphasized the importance of adapting to international relations’ fluid and unpredictable nature, advocating for a strategic, respectful, and wise approach to global interactions.

 

Araghchi stressed that to enhance Iran’s international standing and ensure its security, embracing changes, leveraging opportunities, and avoiding divisive and costly foreign policy stances is crucial. The main focus, he asserted, should be the pride and advancement of Iran and Islam.

 

Araghchi emphasized the importance of national unity as the cornerstone of effective foreign policy. In his remarks, if appointed, Araghchi vowed to enhance and deepen national unity through active, sincere, and cooperative engagement with all branches of government, particularly Parliament.

 

Araghchi described the core objective of the fourteenth administration’s foreign policy as creating a foundation for increasing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s wealth, power, and dignity. He pledged to uphold the same principles and perspectives on the international stage as those established by Imam Khomeini and the Supreme Leader.

Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Social media / WANA News Agency

He reassured that Iran’s foreign policy will not rely on the goodwill of others or wait for changes in international politics. Instead, it will focus on self-reliance, internal strength, and global engagement.

 

The policy aims to pursue national interests, security, and dignity while deepening friendships, leveraging competitions, and managing conflicts.

 

Araghchi affirmed that Iran will confront excessive demands and adversities with resilience and without fear.

 

In his concluding remarks, Araghchi addressed the Parliament, promising that if confirmed as Foreign Minister, he would serve as a committed representative of the Supreme Leader, a responsive minister to the Parliament, and a dedicated protector of the nation’s interests abroad.

 

Araghchi drew a parallel between his past service defending Iran’s territory during the war and his future commitment to safeguarding the nation’s interests, security, and dignity in diplomacy.

 

He vowed to put his life and reputation on the line for Iran whenever necessary, pledging unwavering dedication to the country.