Araghchi Warns: ‘Greater Israel’ Plan Poses Major Threat to Global Peace
In the lead-up to an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, Iran’s foreign minister has voiced serious concerns regarding the Zionist regime’s ambitions for a “Greater Israel.” This has been labeled a significant threat to both regional security and global peace, prompting calls for immediate and decisive action to address ongoing atrocities and occupation.
In an article featured in the Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic newspaper, the Iranian foreign minister articulated the existential dangers posed to the Islamic world and international stability by these expansionist goals. He characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as part of a systematic and organized genocide, marked by:
- Mass killings of women and children
- Forced displacement of civilians
- Starvation tactics
- Destruction of essential civilian infrastructure
Araghchi emphasized that the situation in Gaza is not merely a temporary military confrontation or a typical humanitarian crisis. Instead, he described it as a calculated campaign of ethnic cleansing, occurring amid the silence and inaction of Western powers, particularly the United States.
Moreover, he pointed out that Israeli aggression is not confined to Gaza alone. He cited the following issues as part of a broader pattern of Israeli expansionism:
- Settlement expansion in the West Bank
- Military actions against Lebanon and Syria
- Interference in Yemen
- Recent military operations in Iran, which have resulted in the deaths of over a thousand Iranians
Araghchi reiterated that Israeli leaders openly proclaim their expansionist plans, which threaten the sovereignty of various regional states, including:
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Saudi Arabia
- Iraq
- Kuwait
He strongly criticized the support from Western nations and the repeated vetoes in the Security Council that enable Israeli atrocities. These actions, he argued, pose direct threats to both regional and global security.
As the OIC ministerial meeting approaches, he urged that it should transcend mere expressions of solidarity. Instead, it should adopt concrete measures to address the situation effectively. He proposed several key actions to be taken:
- Formation of a strong international coalition to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel.
- Revocation of all expansionist and occupation projects.
- Prosecution of Israeli leaders through the International Criminal Court and other legal bodies.
- Imposition of comprehensive sanctions against Israel.
- Establishment of safe humanitarian corridors to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel to the besieged Palestinian population.
The Iranian diplomat stressed that any reluctance or dependence on misleading agreements, such as the so-called Abraham Accords, would betray the Palestinian people and jeopardize the security and sovereignty of the entire region.
Araghchi characterized the upcoming OIC meeting as a historic opportunity for the Islamic world to come together. He emphasized the importance of:
- Uniting to protect oppressed populations
- Preserving regional stability
- Advancing the long-term goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital
As discussions unfold during the meeting, it remains crucial for member states to consider the implications of their actions and the potential for collective efforts to address these pressing concerns. The world watches closely as the Islamic Cooperation Organization prepares to tackle one of the most challenging issues facing the region today.
MNA/TSN