Iran is doing outreach in the region and also globally, seeking more peaceful relations, President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated this week. Tehran is also commemorating the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Pezeshkian, at a rally, declared the country’s “victory” and exhibited national solidarity, Iranian state media IRNA said. Andrei Fursenko, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, praised “Iran’s achievements, saying Iran can be a role model for many countries and the whole world,” a different IRNA report said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Iranian nation has proved itself by standing with the ideals of the Islamic Revolution. In an interview with IRNA on the sidelines of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in Moscow, Fursenko said, “It is clearly seen that Iran has maintained its independence, self-sufficiency, and development process in different conditions.” He also discussed the recent signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between the two countries: “There is huge potential to expand ties between the two countries.”
Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, held talks on Tuesday with his Omani counterpart, Adm. Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi.
Oman and Iran have often enjoyed close ties. Iranian state media said the two men met to “enhance defense and military relations between the two neighbors,” according to Iranian state media. Raisi was scheduled to visit an army exhibition and meet with commanders.
In recent years, the two states have sought to have more joint training.
Pezeshkian “underscored the necessity of fostering tourism and strengthening ties with friendly and neighboring countries, saying that global unity and peace can be realized through mutual visits and friendly interactions,” a separate Iranian statement noted.
“Only in peace and harmony can we truly host and welcome each other,” he said. “Anyone visiting Iran is our esteemed guest. By the grace of God, we have close and deep relations with all our neighbors, and we will continue this closeness,” he said.
Iran’s president said the country is not seeking war. “Those who engage in bullying, massacres, and provision of weapons of mass destruction to those who kill innocent people are the ones initiating war and bloodshed,” he said.
Pushback in Iran
Inside Iran, there has been pushback against Pezeshkian, Araghchi, and advisers in recent weeks. He is also facing tough discussions about what to do about the Americans.
He said on Tuesday, “Those who kill tens and hundreds of innocent people and then claim to advocate human rights, those who massacre the elderly, children, and women in Gaza and then speak of fighting terrorism… claim to bring security to the region, yet if they cease their massacres, security will naturally prevail. We can present Iran as it truly is and provide a more accurate perception of our country... We strive to restore Iran to its rightful position. Travel and exchanges lead to growth, experience, unity, and human cohesion.”