Addressing an interactive session with participants of the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, Araqchi said Palestine remains the foremost concern of the Muslim world and called for greater Islamic unity to thwart conspiracies by the Zionist regime and the United States.

“Our approach to the Muslim world is based on strengthening unity among the Islamic Ummah,” Araqchi said, describing this approach as a legacy of Imam Khomeini and martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and stressing the Islamic Republic’s determination to continue on that path under the guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Discussing regional developments and the US-Israeli wars of aggression against Iran, the foreign minister said the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution after decades of struggle for Iran’s independence and dignity had created a new foundation for continuing the pursuit of justice and strength.

“Undoubtedly, avenging the blood of our martyred leader, in continuation of the movement of Karbala, will remain a lasting demand of the Iranian nation and all Muslims and freedom-seekers around the world,” he said.

Araqchi described the Islamic Republic as a “blessed tree” that had grown strong through the sacrifices of martyrs, the steadfastness of the Iranian people and the courage of the Armed Forces, saying Iran’s strength and dignity would continue to increase.

Turning to the consequences of US-Israeli military aggression in the region, he said the conflict had demonstrated that the US military presence in regional countries does not guarantee their security.

“The only objective of the United States in the region is to support the illegitimate and expansionist ambitions of the genocidal Zionist regime,” Araqchi said.

He argued that growing recognition of this reality and declining reliance on the US could create conditions for an indigenous regional security system based on trust and cooperation among neighboring countries.

Araqchi also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the interests of the Islamic Ummah, particularly the Resistance Front, saying Tehran had consistently worked to promote Muslim unity in confronting Israeli occupation, ending the genocide against Palestinians and stopping Israeli aggression and occupation in Lebanon.

He stressed that lasting security and stability in West Asia require an end to the Israeli regime’s impunity and the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, with Al-Quds as its capital, adding that Iran’s proposal in this regard was clear.

The foreign minister further highlighted national self-confidence, independence and self-reliance as key legacies of the Islamic Revolution, saying they had helped advance a diplomacy based on dignity.

Iran’s diplomatic apparatus, he added, would continue working to safeguard national interests based on the principles of “dignity, wisdom and expediency” and would not yield to excessive demands or bullying.

Araqchi also emphasized Iran’s commitment to developing good relations with all Muslim countries, particularly its neighbors, saying Tehran sought to expand economic, scientific and other forms of cooperation.

“Strengthening relations among Muslim countries is essential to enhancing the position of the Muslim world globally and improving the situation of Muslims in all parts of the world,” he said.

“I believe that God has destined the path of unity and solidarity for Islamic countries,” Araqchi said, warning that differences among Muslim nations must not be allowed to become a tool for enemies to sow division within the Islamic Ummah.

At the meeting, Araqchi thanked Muslim scholars and thinkers for participating in the conference and expressed appreciation to the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought for its efforts to promote Islamic unity.

Forum Secretary General Hojjatoleslam Hamid Shahriari, for his part, thanked the Foreign Ministry for its cooperation in organizing the conference and praised Araqchi and Iran’s diplomatic apparatus for their continued efforts to advance rapprochement and unity in the Muslim world.