WANA (May 18) – Iran’s Foreign Minister, Araghchi, emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will remain a trustworthy partner and a dependable collaborator for the region and regional cooperation and, all its nations and peoples. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Tehran Dialogue Forum—held in the presence of President Masoud Pezeshkian—Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated:

 

“Our diplomatic approach is directed toward all countries in the region, with the aim of building a strong and convergent region inspired by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s central slogan of unity.”

 

In a portion of his speech, Araghchi condemned the actions of the Israeli regime, describing them as crimes amounting to genocide. “It is regrettable,” he said, “that the world has failed to respond appropriately and responsibly to these atrocities. It is clear that this situation cannot be allowed to continue.”

 

He further noted that recent developments in West Asia have once again shown that the region’s destiny should not be determined by extra-regional powers.

 

The full text of the Iranian Foreign Minister’s speech at the Tehran Dialogue Forum is as follows:

 

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran;

Esteemed Foreign Ministers;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Peace be upon you,

It is a great honor to be present today among such a distinguished and thoughtful gathering. I sincerely thank all of you for your valuable presence—especially Dr. Pezeshkian, the Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran—who, with his development-oriented perspective, has breathed new life into Iranian and regional diplomacy.

 

At this moment, I would also like to commemorate my dear friend and long-time colleague, the late Foreign Minister Martyr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

 

These days mark the anniversary of his ascension, along with the late Martyr President Raisi and his accompanying delegation. I also express my appreciation to my colleagues at the Institute for Political and International Studies for their diligent efforts in organizing this esteemed forum.

 

Allow me to begin with a brief overview of the past year’s events—a year, unfortunately, marked by tragic developments and humanitarian catastrophes.

 

At the forefront of these disasters have been the aggressions and crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Gaza—crimes that, without a doubt, constitute a clear and unprecedented instance of genocide. A genocide that the people of the world have, at times, witnessed live—on television screens and across social media platforms.

 

Since October 2023, more than 60,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip, many of whom were women and children. Millions have been displaced and subjected to siege and absolute famine conditions. What is most regrettable is that the world has failed to exhibit a proper and responsible reaction to these crimes.

 

The deafening silence and inaction of those powers that claim to be defenders of the “conscience of humanity,” alongside the impotence of international institutions in curbing this catastrophe, is truly shocking—and a global wake-up call.

 

What has crumbled before our very eyes is a collection of moral, legal, and political covenants that were meant to form the foundations of the international order. In truth, what we are witnessing is the collapse of the very foundations of collective commitment and responsibility toward peace, human dignity, and a shared global conscience. It is clear that this situation cannot continue.

 

West Asia Needs a Fundamental Reassessment of Its Self-Perception

 

Distinguished Scholars,

The Gaza crisis has once again proven not only the failure of the international system but also that the fate of this region cannot—and must not—remain dependent on the decisions and will of extra-regional powers. What is currently being presented as “regional reality” by these forces is in fact a reflection of deeply constructed narratives, crafted solely to serve their own interests. These must be redefined and corrected from within the region itself.

 

West Asia needs a fundamental reassessment of its self-perception. A prolonged focus on rivalries, born from the illusion of a constant threat, has obstructed the formation of effective cooperation to resolve regional and global issues—and has paved the way for the destructive interference of extra-regional powers.

 

The time has now come to transform this constructed and imposed pseudo-reality and to establish a genuine, indigenous, and desirable order in the region—based on interaction, mutual understanding, and shared values.

 

In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran, under the administration of Dr. Pezeshkian, has defined its foreign policy along three foundational axes, Maximum engagement with neighbors, Expanding cooperation with emerging actors and countries of the Global South, and Establishing balance in relations with global power centers—both East and West. Our foreign policy is rooted in balance and realism.

 

From the outset, Dr. Pezeshkian’s administration has emphasized a neighborhood policy, seeking to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties with regional countries. Today, we are witnessing Iran and its neighbors—from the Persian Gulf to Central Asia—moving toward understanding, cooperation, and friendship after years of ups and downs.

 

In the same vein, expanding relations with Asian, African, and Latin American countries constitutes a core priority of our foreign policy. Iran’s membership in institutions such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, along with deepened cooperation with Islamic nations and members of the Non-Aligned Movement, underscores Iran’s ambition to play an active role in shaping a multipolar, balanced, and just international order.

 

In our view, the security and prosperity of each country in the region are inextricably linked with the security and prosperity of its neighbors. Therefore, rather than persisting with threat-based approaches, we must adopt an opportunity-based strategy—pursuing economic interdependence as a lasting foundation for regional peace and stability.

 

We must prioritize the expansion of economic and trade cooperation, joint investments, technology transfer, and infrastructure projects—thereby laying the groundwork for collective growth and a tangible improvement in people’s lives.

 

Peace and Security in Our Region Are Impossible Without Addressing the Palestinian Issue

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Peace and security in our region are impossible without an honest, deep, and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue. Today, Palestine is the most urgent and critical matter on the regional agenda. For over seventy years, the land of Palestine has been gripped by occupation, oppression, and injustice.

 

The reality is that the Israeli regime has become a chronic threat to regional peace and stability—a threat that combines occupation, apartheid, genocide, and access to an arsenal of weapons of mass destruction.

 

We propose a peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue: A national referendum with the participation of all original inhabitants of historic Palestine—Muslims, Christians, and Jews—to determine the future political system of the land.

This democratic and inclusive solution—modeled after the successful anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa—can bring an end to decades of occupation, discrimination, and injustice, and pave the way for the return of refugees and the formation of a single, inclusive state across all of historic Palestine.

 

Iran Has Never Sought and Will Never Seek Nuclear Weapons

 

Distinguished Guests,

Alongside regional matters, another key aspect of Iran’s current foreign policy is our peaceful nuclear program and the unilateral and unjust sanctions imposed on the Iranian people by the United States.

 

As a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Islamic Republic of Iran—based on its religious and ethical foundations—has never sought, and will never seek, nuclear weapons. We remain committed to the principle of non-production and non-use of weapons of mass destruction.

 

We have consistently sought to address legitimate international concerns about our nuclear program through engagement and transparency.

 

We seek a fair and balanced agreement—one grounded in the NPT framework, with full respect for Iran’s nuclear rights, and that genuinely guarantees the comprehensive lifting of sanctions. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to diplomacy and expects the unilateral and unjust sanctions that directly target our people to be truly and tangibly lifted.

 

We believe such an agreement can serve the interests of all parties and contribute to strengthening peace, security, and stability in the region.

 

In this regard, Iran is also ready to open a new chapter in relations with Europe—provided there is genuine political will and an independent approach from European sides. Unfortunately, in recent years, the focus on disagreements rather than common ground has limited the potential for cooperation.

 

Nevertheless, should Europe demonstrate the necessary resolve to change course, Iran sees no obstacle to rebuilding mutual trust and expanding ties. Europe, by adopting a responsible and constructive approach, can play an effective role in regional development and stability.

Our Diplomatic Vision Extends to All Regional Countries

 

Honored Participants,

For the first time in decades, a historic opportunity has emerged for regional countries—not foreign powers—to take the lead in shaping regional developments. Our nations can reclaim the right to self-determination and design a future rooted in collective will, opening a new path toward development, peace, and cooperation.

 

A future not crafted in the think tanks of extra-regional powers, but in the capitals of the region—based on local needs, values, and realities.

 

From this perspective, reclaiming initiative in the region is not merely about shifting the balance of power—it is about transforming the conceptual and perceptual foundations that have legitimized the current order.

 

As long as regional countries can articulate a new language to describe their reality—a language drawn from shared historical memory and horizons—they will be able to build institutions, mechanisms, and coalitions that are more sustainable, legitimate, and effective than any externally imposed arrangement. In this way, the region will not just be a player—but the architect—of the future order.

 

To achieve this goal, the Islamic Republic of Iran will be a reliable partner and trustworthy collaborator for the region and all its countries and peoples.

 

Our diplomatic vision extends to all regional states, with the aim of building a strong and convergent region, inspired by the Islamic Republic’s core slogan of unity.

 

Thank you for your attention.