Iran has no proxies in region: Amir-Abdollahian

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
31 Oct 2023 09:50
1 Shares

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian points out that the United States, despite being situated thousands of kilometers away, consistently attempts to meddle with a wide range of regional issues.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib, in Beirut Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. (AP)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has refuted claims by the United States that Iran played a role in recent attacks on US bases in West Asia. He asserted that Tehran does not command any group and that Iran does not have any proxies in the region.

The top Iranian diplomat shared these remarks in an interview on CNN's GPS program during his visit to the United States last week, during which he also participated in a UN General Assembly emergency meeting regarding the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Following the Israeli bombing of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17 and amid the intense aerial campaign in the besieged region, various Resistance factions in Western Asia, including Iraq, have carried out several attacks on US occupation bases and facilities. US President Joe Biden and other officials have attributed responsibility to Iran.

In response, Amir-Abdollahian refuted their claims, saying, “It is totally wrong and unfounded that any attack, which is carried out in the region and when US interests are targeted by any group, are attributed to the Islamic Republic without any evidence.”

“They don’t take orders from Iran. They act based on their interests, as the operation that Hamas carried out was a fully Palestinian decision. They shouldered responsibility, took a decision, and took action,” the Iranian diplomat said, referring to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

He also emphasized that Iran, as a regional player, is directly affected by and engaged in regional issues. He contrasted this with the United States, which is located thousands of kilometers away but seeks to meddle in all regional matters.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Iranian diplomat pointed to the US military presence in Syria without the approval of the Damascus government and Washington's support for the Israeli government in the ongoing aggression in Gaza as examples of such meddling.

“We are in our region. We are defending our national security,” he added, underlining that “the Islamic Republic of Iran has no proxies in the region. Iran has not had and does not have any proxy war. It is Israel, which is the proxy of the US in the region and has made our region insecure.”

Amir-Abdollahian also voiced disapproval of the United States for conveying messages expressing worry about the escalation of the aggression on Gaza and urging Iran to exercise restraint. He noted that the US delivers such messages while consistently supplying "Israel" with weapons and endorsing the government.

“We think that someone, who is part of this war, is not in a position to advise others to show restraint,” he added.

The solution to the war on Gaza, according to the Minister, is an immediate ceasefire, adding that Hamas has also declared its willingness to release Israeli captives.

"If the [Israeli] enemy wants to resolve the prisoners' issue once and for all, we are ready. And if they want to go into the process of dealing with the file separately, we are also ready."

- Al-Qassam Brigades Spokesperson, Abu Obeida#Gaza #GazaUnderAttack https://t.co/M9Kj6Da1DK
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 28, 2023

Amir-Abdollahian also said Operation Al-Aqsa Flood comes as a response by Palestinians to over seven decades of Israeli aggression. He asserted that, according to international law, Hamas is a Resistance opposing the occupation.

Iran urges expedited ICC legal procedure for Gaza

In a related context, Iran has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite the legal proceedings related to the situation in Palestine, with a particular focus on the dire conditions in the Gaza Strip.

The call was issued by Iran's delegate during the 21st plenary meeting of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

The Iranian delegate emphasized that the actions occurring in Gaza undeniably constitute instances of international crimes that fall within the purview of the ICC.

The diplomat pointed out that the severe breaches of international humanitarian law, the loss of lives, the compelled displacement of civilians, the devastation of civilian infrastructure, attacks on densely populated zones, including hospitals and schools, and the manipulation of hunger as a weapon of warfare have raised concerns globally.

The Iranian delegate further noted that these concerns were already addressed in a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on Friday, October 27. This resolution, crafted by Arab nations, urges the ICC to expedite investigations regarding the situation in Palestine. It also calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.