Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi delivered a strong message in a recent US television interview, asserting that US-backed endeavors to normalize Israeli-Gulf Arab relations, including with Saudi Arabia, are destined for futility. In a candid discussion with CNN, Raisi clarified Iran’s stance on nuclear inspectors from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, refuting claims that the nation opposes their presence.
Raisi’s statements come in the wake of Iran’s recent decision to restrict access to several inspectors assigned to the country. The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has witnessed significant shifts as Israel has drawn closer to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, thanks to a US-driven diplomatic initiative in 2020 that championed the normalization of relations.
Of utmost significance in this diplomatic chessboard is the prospect of forging ties with Saudi Arabia, a nation housing some of Islam’s most sacred sites. Such an alliance would indeed constitute a monumental achievement for Israel and could reshape the entire Middle East geopolitical landscape.
Addressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, President Raisi emphasized, “We have consistently reiterated our unwavering opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and, in fact, weapons of mass destruction as a whole. Our principled stance is rooted in a profound belief against their use and a recognition that such instruments have no place in our strategic needs.”
Furthermore, he clarified Iran’s position, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has not categorically rejected the presence of inspectors within our borders.”
By Reuters
