Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani is seeking an alliance with other Islamic countries to “exert pressure” on Israel, the Iranian state media IRNA reported yesterday. The report is part of a larger series of moves by the foreign minister and also the Iranian Foreign Ministry against Israel.“Bagheri Kani spoke with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on the phone on Sunday, with the two discussing relations between Iran and Afghanistan, as well as the situation in war-ravaged Gaza,” the report said.Afghanistan is not that important in terms of any role it might have against Israel. But Iran is trying to do more than just rope in the Taliban to its crusade against Israel. “The Iranian diplomat called for joint action by Islamic countries, particularly within the framework of the Islamic Cooperation Organization, in order to increase pressure on the Zionist regime to end its crimes against the people of Gaza,” IRNA said.
Responding to G7 comments
Meanwhile, on Sunday Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani “said that the Islamic Republic will continue to play a constructive role in establishing sustainable security in the region. At the same time, the country will act decisively in defending its security and national interests,” a separate report noted.
Kanaani was responding to comments from the G7. The G7 is concerned about Iran’s close ties with Russia and the transfer of military technology between these two states. It is also concerned about Iran’s nuclear program. “The Iranian spokesman reiterated that the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program is only meant for peaceful purposes,” the IRNA claimed.
Iran’s foreign ministry slammed the US, UK, France, and Germany in regard to countries putting pressure on its nuclear program. “Some countries, under political motivations and through leveling false and unproven allegations, are trying to continue with their ineffective and failed policy to impose and maintain sanctions against the Iranian nation.Therefore, we advise the Group of Seven to learn from past experiences and stay away from destructive policies,” the ministry said.The acting Iranian foreign minister also met with Igor Khovaev, a special representative for the Russian Foreign Minister. The Iranians called for more cooperation with Russia, especially in the Caucasus.The overall trend is clear. Iran’s acting foreign minister is taking up where his predecessor left off. He is not skipping a beat in terms of trying to work closely with Iran’s friends, such as Russia, in search of isolating Israel.