Iran’s Kharazi: Defining red lines before an Israeli aggression | Talk to Al Jazeera
Dec 4, 2023
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Former Iranian foreign minister Kamal Kharazi discusses Iran's position on the Gaza conflict, their support for a one-state solution, and Israel's aggression in Syria. It also explores Iran's strained relationship with the UN Atomic Watchdog due to the impact of American withdrawal and European actions on their nuclear program.
Israel's decision to resume fighting in Gaza is seen as a strategic mistake that escalates the conflict and creates political challenges with other countries.
Iran opposes the two-state solution and envisions a democratic, one-state solution where Muslims, Christians, and Jews live together.
Deep dives
Israel's War on Gaza and International Speculation about Iran's Involvement
Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza, there has been growing international speculation about Iran's role in supporting Hamas. Iran's leader Ayotollah Ali Khamenei has denied any involvement, but the offensive has raised questions about what Iran might do next. As hostilities continue, calls for a permanent ceasefire are increasing, and accusations of Israel violating the laws of war are being made. It is believed that Israel's decision to resume fighting is a strategic mistake, as it not only escalates the conflict with Hamas but also creates political challenges with other countries. Iran supports the ceasefire and advocates for a swift return to stop further fatalities and crimes.
Iran's Stance on the Two-State Solution for Palestine-Israel Conflict
Iran opposes the two-state solution for resolving the Palestine-Israel conflict. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has clarified Iran's position, stating that Iran does not support expelling Jews from a future state of Palestine. Iran believes that the two-state solution is not practical or feasible due to the limited Palestinian land currently under their control and the presence of Israeli settlers. Instead, Iran envisions a final solution where Muslims, Christians, and Jews live together in one state, decided by the original inhabitants of the land. This viewpoint aligns with the belief that a democratic, one-state solution, similar to the post-apartheid transition in South Africa, could be a reasonable path to resolving the conflict.
Iran's Support for Palestinian Resistance while Denying Direct Military or Financial Aid
Iran provides political, ideological, and humanitarian support to Palestinian resistance groups, such as Hamas, but denies direct military or financial aid. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi affirms that if it were possible for Iran to provide military assistance or financial support to these groups, they would be willing to do so. However, he highlights that these groups largely develop their own capabilities to produce weaponry and armaments, such as missiles, without direct assistance from Iran. The support Iran offers is based on the principle of self-defense for Palestinians against Israeli occupation and aggression. Iran's readiness to assist these groups is contingent upon the feasibility of access and the existing favorable conditions.
Since the start of Israel's war on Gaza after Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, Iran's role has been a subject of speculation. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has denied the country's involvement but labelled the offensive a success.
The conflict has killed thousands and left nearly two million displaced. After a weeklong truce, Israeli attacks recommenced, casting the spotlight on Iran's next moves.
For an in-depth look at the Iranian position on these rapidly evolving events, Kamal Kharazi, Iran's former foreign minister and current adviser to the supreme leader, talks to Al Jazeera.
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