Iranian Foreign Minister Highlights Regional Cooperation and Palestinian Issue at Oslo Forum

Oslo, The Gulf Observer: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s commitment to promoting regional trust, dialogue, and cooperation during his participation in the 22nd Oslo Forum held in Norway. Speaking on Wednesday, Araqchi emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and the resolution of long-standing regional challenges, particularly the Palestinian issue.

Addressing a wide range of foreign policy concerns, Araqchi underscored that Tehran’s recent high-level visits and diplomatic initiatives with neighboring and regional countries over the past ten months reflect a determined strategy aimed at fostering mutual trust and enhancing cooperation. “Iran is committed to building collective, self-sustaining security and ensuring lasting, comprehensive stability in the region,” he said.

Turning to the Palestinian cause, Araqchi strongly condemned what he described as the 80-year occupation of Palestinian territories and the ongoing crimes committed by the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people. “A different future for West Asia can only begin with a just and sustainable resolution of the Palestinian issue,” he stated.

He further criticized those supporting the Israeli regime, labeling them as “accomplices in the crimes of this regime.” Araqchi noted that the international community’s failure to uphold justice and the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people remains one of the most glaring shortcomings of the past eight decades. “This unresolved issue continues to fuel long-standing tension, crisis, and insecurity in the region,” he added.

Reiterating Iran’s principled position, the Foreign Minister declared that the country firmly supports the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination, rejects the occupation and genocide, and advocates for the establishment of a unified Palestinian state based on the will of the indigenous population.

Araqchi also called for a transformation in the regional approach, emphasizing the need to shift from a security-focused paradigm to one centered on development and cooperation. “Although direct colonialism has formally ended, the ongoing military and political interventions by extra-regional powers have become more destabilizing and damaging than traditional forms of colonialism,” he asserted.

He highlighted the shared cultural, religious, and historical heritage of regional nations, urging them to build on these commonalities to create a stable and prosperous future. “As permanent neighbors, we must move from securitization to opportunity-building,” he said.

On the subject of Iran-U.S. relations, Araqchi commented on the ongoing indirect negotiations, asserting that a potential agreement remains within reach. “If the objective is to end the unlawful sanctions imposed on the Iranian people and to ensure the peaceful nature of our nuclear program, then reaching an agreement is not only possible but also achievable in a short timeframe,” he stated. “However, Tehran cannot accept being denied its inherent rights or being treated as exempt from international law.”

The Iranian Foreign Minister’s remarks in Oslo reflect the country’s broader diplomatic vision—centered on sovereignty, regional cooperation, and the pursuit of justice in international affairs.