WANA (Dec 20) – Seyed Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the notion of resistance groups being followers or subordinate to Iran is incorrect.

 

Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an exclusive interview with the Egyptian network Al-Ghad on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit of Developing Islamic Countries, elaborated on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s positions regarding regional and global developments and its relations with Egypt.

 

Araqchi highlighted the long-term American-Zionist plan to weaken and divide major Islamic countries to secure the dominance of the occupying regime over the region. He stated that the behavior of the Zionist regime during the Gaza war, the genocide of over 60,000 women, children, and civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, its aggression against Syria, and the destruction of that country’s defense, economic, and infrastructure systems confirm Iran’s warnings about Israel as a threat to the entire region.

 

Referring to Iran’s advisory presence in Syria to combat ISIS and other terrorist groups, Araqchi warned about the resurgence of terrorism in Syria due to the country’s instability, posing a threat to the entire region. He praised the sacrifices of General Soleimani in this context.

 

Araqchi described Iran’s support for Syria as a defense of its people, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against Zionist and terrorist threats, rather than backing an individual. He further noted that within the framework of the Astana process and bilateral talks, Iran offered recommendations to the Syrian government on engaging with the public and political opposition groups. However, he stressed that Syria maintained its independence and was not under the control of Iran or Russia.

 

The Foreign Minister outlined the primary aim of the Resistance Axis as confronting the Zionist regime’s occupation and aggression in Palestine while advocating for Palestinian rights. He highlighted the significant blows resistance forces delivered to the occupiers, despite suffering losses during the Gaza war and losing some of their leaders. He pointed out that these actions compelled Israel to negotiate and accept a ceasefire in Lebanon.

 

Araqchi described the resistance as a noble cause and a sacred doctrine against the occupation and crimes of the Zionist regime. He emphasized that such a movement cannot be extinguished through assassinations or martyrdom of its leaders, as it emerges stronger each time.

 

In this interview, Araqchi firmly rejected the idea that resistance groups are subordinate to Iran. He stressed that Iran shares a common goal with resistance groups in combating the Zionist regime and supporting the Palestinian people, but each group operates independently.

 

Finally, Araqchi lauded the civilizational and historical status of Iran and Egypt and their vital role in the region. He underscored that strengthening cooperation and coordination between the two countries serves the interests of the entire region and the Islamic world. Araqchi noted that Iran has consistently supported Egypt’s efforts to assist the Palestinian people and establish a ceasefire.