WANA (Sep 09) – Iran’s Foreign Minister, warning that Israel’s threats extend beyond Palestine, said their impact has already been felt in Lebanon, Syria, and even in attacks against Iran. He stressed that the 12-day war proved there is no military solution to the Iranian question, and that the only viable path is fair diplomacy based on mutual respect and the safeguarding of common interests.

 

Speaking at a consultation meeting of Foreign Ministry officials with guests of the 39th International Islamic Unity Conference, Seyed Abbas Araqchi described unity within the Islamic world as an absolute necessity. “If the 1.5 billion-strong Muslim community stands united, it can unlock immense potential and contribute to the growth and advancement of the Islamic world,” he said.

 

Criticizing the situation in Gaza, he declared: “The Israeli regime has used starvation as a weapon, pressuring defenseless civilians and even attacking those who struggle to secure small amounts of food. For this regime, no red lines remain; it has committed every crime imaginable.”

 

According to Araqchi, modern technology has exposed these atrocities live before the eyes of the world, yet many governments have remained silent. He called this silence “a source of regret for the Islamic world,” stressing: “These threats will certainly not be confined to Palestine. As we have already witnessed, their effects are visible in Lebanon, Syria, and even in attacks against Iran.”

Message of Islamic Unity Featured on New Vali-Asr Square Mural in Tehran. Social Media / WANA News Agency

The foreign minister underscored the need to identify the region’s real threat: “For years, efforts were made to portray Iran as the menace, but today it is clear that the true enemy is Israel. Regional states now acknowledge that Iran was right, and this realization has led to greater cooperation with the Islamic Republic.”

 

Referring to the 12-day war, Araqchi reminded that Israel believed a surprise strike could force Iran into retreat, but, in his words, this was a “grave miscalculation.” He added: “The United States and some other countries called for negotiations in the very first days of the war, but we insisted that any talks must be preceded by a halt to aggression. In the end, it was they who requested a ceasefire without any preconditions.”

 

Araqchi stressed: “This experience was a major lesson for the U.S. and Israel’s supporters; they realized that no military solution exists against Iran. The Islamic Republic has never abandoned the negotiating table and has always been ready for honorable and fair dialogue.”

 

He also highlighted the importance of national solidarity within Iran: “During the 12-day war, it became clear there was no distinction between Shia and Sunni, Arab and Persian. All defended the country under a single, unified identity.”

 

Concluding, Araqchi emphasized that issuing resolutions is not enough and that the Islamic world must take practical steps: “The people of Gaza need food, water, and medicine today. Islamic countries must stand by them. States that still maintain diplomatic or trade ties with Israel should sever those relations, for this is not only a rational and humanitarian duty but also a religious obligation.”