WANA (Feb 19) – Iran’s Foreign Minister has emphasized the need to prosecute Israeli officials and their supporters for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. He urged an expedited judicial process in both domestic and international courts to hold them accountable.

 

The statement was made during a meeting on Tuesday between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, who visited Iran for high-level discussions.

 

Support for Palestinian Resistance

Araghchi congratulated the Palestinian people and resistance groups on what he described as a historic victory against Israel’s unprecedented 16-month-long genocide in Gaza. He asserted that, despite committing severe international crimes and massacring tens of thousands of defenseless women and children, Israel failed to achieve its objectives and was ultimately forced into a ceasefire with the very resistance groups it sought to destroy.

 

The Foreign Minister praised the unity and resilience of the Palestinian people, highlighting their steadfast support for the resistance despite immense hardships. He reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering stance in backing the Palestinian cause and the legitimate struggle against Israeli occupation.

 

Condemning Forced Displacement Plans

Araghchi condemned what he termed a joint Israeli-American scheme to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland, calling it a sinister attempt to erase Palestine. He stressed that such a plan constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law and amounts to a crime against humanity. He urged all nations to take legal and moral responsibility in preventing its implementation.

 

Referring to ongoing diplomatic efforts, Araghchi mentioned his consultations with foreign ministers of Islamic countries and noted that the extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reflected the strong opposition of the Islamic world to Israel’s colonial project in Gaza. He expressed hope that the upcoming OIC ministerial meeting would lead to concrete actions to halt Israel’s military and political efforts aimed at erasing Palestine.

 

Call for Accountability

Reiterating Iran’s call for justice, Araghchi insisted on the necessity of prosecuting Israeli leaders and their accomplices for their crimes against humanity. He urged both domestic and international judicial bodies to accelerate legal proceedings against them.

 

Palestinian Appreciation for Iran’s Support

During the meeting, Ziyad al-Nakhalah extended congratulations to the Iranian leadership and people on the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. He expressed gratitude for Iran’s courageous stance, particularly the Supreme Leader’s unwavering support, and acknowledged Iran’s political and diplomatic backing for Palestine in regional and international forums.

 

Nakhalah provided an update on the latest developments in Gaza, ongoing Israeli crimes in the West Bank, and the political situation surrounding the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange process. He emphasized the unity of Palestinian resistance factions in both military and political arenas, stating that Palestinians remain resolute in their fight to reclaim their legitimate rights and end the Israeli occupation.

 

Acknowledging Regional Resistance

The Palestinian leader praised the steadfast support of the resistance axis in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, recognizing their role in standing against Israeli aggression. He particularly lauded the bravery of key resistance figures, including Hezbollah’s late commander, Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, for their unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.

 

Concluding his remarks, Nakhalah reaffirmed that, despite 80 years of attempts to forcibly displace them, the Palestinian people and their resistance groups remain steadfast in defending their legitimate, legal, and humanitarian rights—both on the battlefield and in diplomatic efforts.

 

Iran’s FM Praises PMF’s Role in Iraq’s Security

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also met with PMF chief Faleh al-Fayyad, who visited Tehran to talk with Iranian officials. Araghchi commended Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the resistance for their role in ensuring security and stability, particularly in the fight against ISIS. He reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Iraqi resistance and the region.

 

The two sides discussed regional developments and ways to safeguard mutual interests. Al-Fayyad expressed gratitude for Iran’s support during Iraq’s fight against terrorism and paid tribute to Qassem Soleimani, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and Hezbollah’s late Secretary-General Seyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and PMF chief Faleh al-Fayyad meeting on February 19, 2025. Social media WANA News Agency