Iranian President denounces West’s meddling in affairs of Middle East countries

Regional partnerships

Mr. Raisi emphasised the need for regional stability, noting the security of neighbouring countries directly implicated the security of Iran. He also criticized Western powers for what he claimed was an overt attempt to undermine stability in the region, claiming that Western intelligence agencies were moving terrorists across the region in a “very targeted fashion.”

“The surgical use of terrorists by certain western governments as a political tool will be overcome by the collective will of the people of the region,” he said.

“Iran, who herself has been the biggest target of terrorists, has been at the forefront of combating terrorism in the region,” he added.

Iran additionally accused the US of “foreign meddling” in neighbouring states, and drew attention to the situation in Afghanistan to highlight the humanitarian impact of Western military intervention on regional affairs.

“An independent and robust neighbourhood presents an opportunity for the entire region. We will welcome any extended hand quite warmly.”

Tensions over Jerusalem

Mr. Raisi lamented Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, labelling it a negation of the “inherent rights” of Palestinians. He also emphasised the need to recognise Palestinian statehood and withdraw Israeli troops and settlements from the region.

“The people of the region see Iran as a secure partner for their own security and the occupying regime in Jerusalem is seen as the perpetrator of much of the violence in the region,” he said.

“Has the time not come to bring an end to seven and a half decades to the occupation of Palestinian lands, of the demolition of their homes, of the blood of their women and children, and for the people of Palestine to be recognized officially as a country?”