Irvani: We are not afraid of war, but we will never welcome it
| Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations stated that the language of threats against Iran will not work and clarified: We are not afraid of war, but we will never welcome it, and if the other side starts, you will see Iran's readiness. |
According to the foreign policy group of Fars News Agency, “Amir Saeed Irvani”, the ambassador and permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in New York, had a conversation with the American channel “NBC”, which is detailed below. you read.
* We never want conflicts to spill over into the region
Lester Holt: I imagine your administration and the United States agree that the situation in the Middle East is getting more dangerous. Can you tell us what measures your government is ready to take to reduce the severity of congestion?
Irvani: We must consider the roots of this conflict. No solution can be found regardless of the root cause. We know that the main cause of these conflicts is the actions of the Israeli regime in the region, which goes back to the occupation, usurpation of Palestinian lands and violation of their rights. Therefore, if we want to solve the problems and have peace in the region, we need to address the roots of the conflict. The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to control the situation. We never want conflicts to spill over in the region, but we want to keep the situation in the region calm and reduce tensions. But this is not a one-way relationship. The other party must also control the situation; Only under such conditions can we witness peace in the region.
Lester Holt: What is Iran doing to reduce part of the tensions, to avoid the danger of war?
Irvani: I think the immediate solution should be a ceasefire in Gaza. After the ceasefire, then we can look at how to manage the situation in other parts of the region.
* The ceasefire in Gaza should be permanent , sustainable and inclusive
Lester Holt: If there is a ceasefire in Gaza, will the attacks end?
Irvani: Yes. The ceasefire in Gaza must be permanent, sustainable and comprehensive. Also, the aggression and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza must be stopped. After that, humanitarian aid should be sent to Gaza, then the exchange of prisoners as well as the reconstruction of Gaza will be among the next steps.
Lester Holt: Most of the discussions are about the level of control or influence that the government has. Iran has control over these groups, namely the Houthis and other groups. If you pick up the phone, can you end the attacks?
Irvani: To better understand this issue, you can compare the relationship between Iran and the resistance groups in the region with NATO did In NATO, there is Article 5. If one NATO member faces military aggression, the other can choose to respond individually or collectively. Our relationship with the resistance groups can also be examined in this framework.
Lester Holt: So, there is some kind of defense pact?
Irvani: Yes, this is a kind of defense pact between resistance groups and Iran. They have their own decisions, choices, interests, and interests, but they generally coordinate and cooperate with each other. When a part of the resistance axis is damaged and faces the aggression of the Israeli regime, other parts of the resistance axis will have their own reaction to express sympathy and support for the Palestinian people. Therefore, it has nothing to do with our phone call with the Houthis to stop their actions. In fact, they consider themselves responsible for defending their brothers and sisters in Gaza.
Lester Holt: How far does your support for these groups go? Are you arming them?
Irvani: We have clearly said about the Palestinian resistance groups that we send them weapons, train them and empower them. They are taking steps. However, we coordinate, cooperate and consult with other resistance groups in the region, and sometimes we also give them financial assistance.
Lester Holt: Houthi attacks against commercial ships use complex weapons. has been Does Iran supply these weapons?
Irvani: No, never.
Lester Holt: Does Iran Has he taught them how to use such weapons?
Irvani: This issue {is completely within Yemen} is related to them. They have their own weapons. We must not forget that they have been at war for eight years; They have a lot of experience, they can overcome their shortcomings, they are self-reliant and they have gained deterrence.
Lester Holt: Would Iran prefer that Houthi attacks on commercial ships and threats against naval ships Stop the US?
Irvani: Yes, we encourage everyone to stop this situation. We don’t want a crisis in the region.
Lester Holt: So, you encourage them to stop their actions?
Irvani: We encourage them to stop. But I have already said that this is a two-way street. One side cannot do this alone, the other side also has responsibilities. We encourage them to stop and we expect the other side to encourage the Israelis to stop.
* None We have no control over any resistance group
Lester Holt: Let’s talk about the US position. Joe Biden believes that Iran was indirectly involved in the Jordanian attack that killed three American soldiers and injured many others. The United States has not targeted Iran militarily, but some believe the door is open for such action. Do you predict that if Washington directly or indirectly attacks Iran or your interests, how will Tehran’s reaction be? You may ask how? The United States has announced that it will arm the Israelis for war. America has announced that it will provide what the Israelis need for the war. America does not shy away from publicly announcing such an issue. Our reasoning is the same. We help them defend against the invaders. This is the argument. We are not directly or indirectly involved. We have no control over any resistance group. They make their own decisions and determine what actions to take based on their own interests.
* Any violation We will respond decisively
Lester Holt: Let us return to the US action against Iran. If America attacks Iran or Iran’s interests, how do you predict Iran’s reaction?
Irvani: Iran will definitely react. We have already made it clear that if they attack Iranian soil or Iranian interests or people around the world, we will react and fully defend. We will respond decisively to any aggression.
Lester Holt: Do you think the risk of war is increasing?
Irvani: Yes.
Lester Holt: Please explain how the situation is leading to war.
So, this The natural reaction of people, not only Muslims, not only resistance groups, but every conscience in the world will be awakened. They have their own reactions. You must have seen many people in the United States who are not Muslim and even Jewish who have reacted and protested against the actions of Israel and the policies of the United States to support the Israelis.
Lester Holt : What does this have to do with targeting and attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea?
Irvani: The Houthis say that Israeli ships and any ship that They target those who transfer goods to or from the Israeli regime. So, the goal is very clear. It is against the Israeli regime.
Lester Holt: So do you support their action?
Irvani: Yes, we support. Because the other side has besieged Gaza. As long as they don’t allow fuel and goods to be sent to the people of Gaza, why should they be free to transfer goods, fuel and weapons to the Israelis?
Lester Holt: You say that targeting ships Do you approve of trade by the Houthis?!
Irvani: against Israeli ships; Yes, not others.
* Our vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea are support vessels
Lester Holt: It is strange that your administration issued a warning against the United States in the last few days about targeting or sinking an Iranian-flagged ship. According to our tracking, this ship was present in those areas around the same time as the attacks against merchant ships in the Red Sea. Is this an intelligence ship or a spy that transmits information to the Houthis for an attack?
Irwani: No. Our vessels are support vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. They support our ships in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, where they fight piracy. We haven’t provided any information to the Houthis.
Lester Holt: I’m curious why you warned about attacking this particular ship. Is this ship worth more?
Irvani: The duty of this ship is only to protect Iranian goods in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
* It was a Palestinian decision
Lester Holt: You You spoke about the connection with what is happening in Gaza. In your opinion, was the October 7 attack by Hamas wise from a military point of view? This story did not start on October 7, but goes back to 75 years of humiliation, occupation, and violation of Palestinian rights. The Israelis have deprived the Palestinians of their natural rights. Therefore, sometimes such a reaction by people is normal.
Lester Holt: The 7th of October attack happened with Iran’s encouragement or without it?
Irvani: We have not participated in this decision. It was a Palestinian decision implemented by the Palestinians. We have neither given an order nor played a role in this matter. We support some of their actions to protect their rights, push back the invaders, evacuate and liberate their lands. Yes, we support such goals.
Lester Holt: Back to the question of whether Iran has armed Hamas?
Lester Holt: If the United States could convince Iran to take action end its military presence in Gaza, how quickly do you think things could change elsewhere in terms of attacks on Americans and commercial shipping?
Irvani: More this Clashes began after the Israeli regime’s invasion of Gaza on October 7. If they stop this and treat the root cause of this crisis, we can expect a solution to other conflicts in the region.
* We do not know the details of the negotiations in Cairo and Doha
Lester Holt: As you know, Qatar and Egypt in some There have been negotiations for a ceasefire. Do you think there is an acceptable solution that will lead to the release of the hostages?
Irvani: I think so. But we do not know the details of the negotiations in Cairo and Doha. But we think that Hamas is ready for exchange. Of course, they have their own conditions. After October 7, more than five or six thousand Palestinians were arrested in Gaza and the West Bank. The number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons is more than 10,000. So they expect the release of their prisoners. We cannot expect only the prisoners to be released. Sometimes we hear that some children have been killed in this conflict. It is sad and heartbreaking for all of us. But on the other hand, we all know that more than ten thousand Palestinian children have been killed by the Israelis. We should also express sympathy towards them.
* The responsibility of stability and security in the region will be on the shoulders of the countries of the region. was
Lester Holt: Can you tell us your government’s view on the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel?
Irvani: I think this will not be possible in the near future. We have heard that one of their conditions is the establishment of an independent country called Palestine. I don’t think the current cabinet of the Israeli regime can imagine an independent state for the Palestinians.
Lester Holt: Let’s hear your thoughts on how much you think Iran benefits from instability. . The United States is currently engaged in counter-attacks against shipping as well as diplomatic efforts. Does your country benefit from instability?
Irvani: Not at all. Our interest is not in instability, but in the stability and security of the region. We also believe that the responsibility for stability and security in the region will be on the shoulders of the countries of the region, not those who come from far away.
* We don’t want any tension with America
Lester Holt: This is a big question: What does Iran want from the United States?
Irvani: After the revolution and during the last 45 years, you have had eight American presidents, half of whom were Democrats and the rest were Republicans. Only during the Obama era, he recognized Iran and used the full title of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He emphasized on mutual respect and benefit, sent a respectful letter to the Supreme Leader and received a written reply once.
We don’t want to have any tension with America. Maybe even define common goals. In Iraq and Afghanistan, at the time of the collapse of the Saddam regime and the rule of the Taliban in 2001, at that time the goal was the same but the strategies were different. We insisted on strengthening the resistance groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, but they chose a military invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. There was a common goal between America and Iran, but the strategy was different.
* We are not afraid of war But we will never welcome it
Lester Holt: Some have pointed out that the language of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been softened in response to the threat of war or direct attack by the United States. Is. It seems that the Iranian language has become softer than what we may have heard in the past. Has Iran’s view of America and the potential for war changed?
Irvani: The language of threats against Iran will not work. Only the language of cooperation and respect with Iran will answer. If you think that Iran is afraid of threats, you are completely wrong. Iran was involved in war for 8 years. We are not afraid of war, but we will never welcome it. We will not start any war against any country, but we are ready to defend our security and interests. So we don’t welcome war, but if the other side starts, you will see Iran’s readiness.
Lester Holt: Many think that the United States, with its retaliatory strikes over the past few days, It has sent a very strong message to Iran. You must be aware of not only cruise missiles, but also long-range bombers that take off from the United States and come to the Middle East. America’s message to Iran is: be careful of our capabilities. Do you have a similar conclusion from this message?
Irvani: No. The so-called strong message to Iran will not work. I have already told you that we have been at war. We are not afraid of any threat. Cooperation and solidarity in Iranian societies will increase after any external threat.
Lester Holt: Just one more question, we often hear the term “proxy” groups attacking on behalf of Iran. How do you see these groups? Do you see them as representatives who take steps in line with your wishes?
Irvani: It is a proxy for misleading public opinion. They are not proxies, they are resistance groups. Their rights are recognized according to international law. Resistance groups have the right to self-determination and resistance against the occupying regimes. Therefore, they are not our so-called proxy groups.
* We do not direct or direct resistance groups
Lester Holt: But aren’t they supported and somewhat guided by Tehran?
Irvani: no I repeat again that we do not direct or guide them. We have joint consultations with each other. Our relationship with resistance groups is like NATO members. They consult each other, but the reaction of each member is not the same as the other. During our fight against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the Palestinian resistance groups did not intervene, why? Because this issue was not their priority. We recognized such a decision. It was their decision. But other parts of the resistance axis joined the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Therefore, they have their own priorities and interests. They interact and cooperate well with each other.
Lester Holt: But Iran has the influence to lead them. Are you discussing with any of these groups?
Irvani: You repeatedly insist on Iran’s leadership and influence over them. No, we have no influence on them. We have common goals and understanding. I don’t use the word influence. We consult with each other. We discuss how the situation is in the region and what we should do together.
* Always There have been channels to exchange messages
Lester Holt: Are there secret communications between Tehran and Washington that are actively going on?
Irvani: There have always been channels, whether through the protection of US interests at the Swiss Embassy in Tehran or through intermediary countries and individuals. There have always been channels for exchanging messages.
Lester Holt: Are messages more important than ever at this point in time?
Irvani: We have had conversations in the past. According to our religious teachings, a wise person should not be bitten twice by the same hole. This means that if you have an unsuccessful experience interacting with a party, you will not be able to engage with that party again on the same issue. We have had discussions in the past. We have had many conversations under the current administration of the United States. We reached a framework of understanding for the release of prisoners, our assets illegally frozen by the United States in South Korea, and how to restore the JCPOA. We concluded all those discussions and implemented them. But unfortunately, the United States refused to fulfill its responsibilities in some areas. Therefore, it is difficult to resume the failed talks.
Lester Holt: Mr. Ambassador, during our conversation, I learned that the Prime Minister of Qatar is in talks with Anthony Blinken. It is said that they have received an answer from Hamas regarding a possible agreement. How do you see the fact that a deal may be made soon?
Irvani: I think that a ceasefire is possible if the other side accepts Hamas’ terms.
Lester Holt: Permanent ceasefire?
Irvani: Permanent or long-term ceasefire. Of course, the problem is not solved with a ceasefire, neither is the achievement of peace. But the ceasefire will solve the current crisis and improve the dire situation in Gaza. I think that in the medium term, we can have a stable ceasefire between Hamas and the other side.
| publisher | Fars News |
|
