Regional Resistance groups operate independently of Iran: Kanaani
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Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson says the success of the OIC meeting was due to joint Iranian-Saudi diplomatic efforts.
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A view of the rubble of a residential neighborhood in Gaza City after it was destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, October 10, 2023 (AP)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani declared Iran's diplomatic outreach to Arab and Islamic nations against the Israeli occupation's crimes in Gaza as a success.
In a recent press conference in Tehran, Kanaani outlined Iran's priorities since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, focusing on ceasing the aggression, lifting the blockade, facilitating humanitarian aid, and opposing the forced displacement of the Palestinians in the Strip.
Kanaani highlighted the diplomatic engagements, including three calls between Iran's Foreign Minister and his Egyptian counterpart and a significant meeting on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Riyadh. He noted the Rafah crossing issue as a key discussion point with Egypt.
The spokesperson praised the OIC summit, attributing its success to Iran and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran presented its points in the expert meetings for drafting the final resolution," Kanaani said, mentioning Iran's official reservations sent to the OIC secretariat.
Read more: Iranian FM urges SCO to condemn Israeli aggression on Gaza, end it
Insufficient
Despite the positive efforts, Kanaani stressed that meetings and statements are insufficient.
“The Palestinian nation expects that the Islamic governments, in addition to holding meetings and issuing firm statements, take practical measures as well,” such as severing diplomatic and economic ties with "Israel" and expelling its ambassadors.
Kanaani conveyed Iran's hopes for global intervention and support for Gaza, and for the UN Security Council to play its peacekeeping role unimpeded by certain governments.
Read more: US blocking ceasefire in Gaza, Iran's Raisi says ahead of Saudi visit
Despite significant aid to Gaza from Iran and others, he lamented its non-reach to the people due to Zionist interference, with most aid stored in Egypt. Kanaani criticized this as a blatant disregard for international humanitarian laws and noted that Iran expects Egypt to intensify efforts to deliver aid to Gaza.
Referring to the continued Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, the senior official called on the international community to take deterrent steps against the occupation entity to force it into ending its war on the besieged Strip.
Read more: Hamas calls for realization of OIC statement, end of aggression
Furthermore, the spokesperson, recalling Tehran's actions in support of Palestine since October 7, affirmed that Iran's diplomatic efforts in this regard would persist with seriousness.
Independent Resistance
Expressing concerns over the global inaction against the Israeli entity, Kanaani highlighted the targeting of Gaza's hospitals and the disruption of essential services. He called out the United States, England, France, and Germany, asserting their complicity in the Israeli crimes and urging global action against US-supported horrific crimes.
Kanaani called on the governments impeding the cessation of hostilities in Gaza to permit the United Nations Security Council to execute its mandate for establishing international peace and security.
Addressing the unfounded anti-Iran accusations by US officials, Kanaani emphasized that regional Resistance groups operate independently of Iran.
Read more: Escalation of Gaza aggression makes battle expansion inevitable: Iran
"They decide and act based on their own considerations," calling on the United States to focus on its own actions rather than leveling accusations.
He reiterated Iran's longstanding concern about the escalation of the struggle and maintained this principled stance.
Highlighting the contradiction between the US government's messages and its actions, Kanaani underscored the inconsistency in American policy and practice.
Read more: Gaza Resistance awaited Israeli ground operation: IRGC commander
Egypt, Yemen, and Afghanistan
In a recent update on Iran-Egypt relations, the Iranian official emphasized the significance of the recent meeting between the presidents of Iran and Egypt in Riyadh. He described it as a pivotal event for enhancing political ties between the two nations.
Kanaani expressed a positive outlook on the discussions held on the sidelines of the OIC summit, highlighting their importance in bolstering bilateral relations.
He also revealed that the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt are entrusted with executing practical steps to strengthen these ties, viewing this enhancement as beneficial not only to both countries but also to the broader West Asia region.
The talks between the presidents, he noted, included productive discussions on the Palestinian issue and the crucial matter of opening the Rafah border crossing.
Regarding Yemen, Kanaani announced Iran's intention to appoint an ambassador to Sanaa, stating that the improved situation in the war-torn country would facilitate the process.
Turning to Iran's engagement with the Taliban, Kanaani dubbed the recent visit of a Taliban delegation to Iran as a positive development.
This visit resulted in the signing of five memoranda of understanding, predominantly focused on trade exchanges, the spokesperson said, adding that the visit was an opportunity for Iran and Afghanistan to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Kanaani pointed out that discussions between Iranian and Afghan officials also covered the vital issue of water rights from the Helmand River in Afghanistan, underlining the broad scope of the talks.
