Speaking at a specialized meeting on the role of martyred diplomat Kamal Kharrazi in building consensus on foreign policy, held in Tehran on Sunday, Abbas Araqchi reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to a regional order founded on peace and stability, secured by regional countries themselves without foreign interference.

The minister described the wars of the past year and a half, particularly the US-Israeli war of aggression, as a turning point, saying that “nothing will be the same as before” after the conflict.

Araqchi said US military bases in the region have brought neither peace nor security to their host countries or others. On the contrary, he argued, the bases themselves have become a source of insecurity. Iran, he added, fundamentally welcomes any initiative that would enable regional countries to rely more on their own capabilities.

The foreign minister said the role of the Zionist regime has become clear to everyone, describing it as the sole force driving warmongering in the region. He denounced the Israeli regime for repeatedly preventing the establishment of regional security and stability while seeking to foment wars and weaken neighboring countries.

He called for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces as a prerequisite for regional peace and stability, saying they have come to the region to protect Israel. Their continued presence, Araqchi warned, would bring nothing but insecurity to the entire region.

Araqchi said events have demonstrated that these foreign forces are unable to protect the Israeli regime, their host countries or even themselves.

He stressed that regional conflicts could not be treated in isolation, arguing that peace could not prevail in one part of the region while war and confrontation continue elsewhere.

During negotiations with the US mediated by Pakistan, Qatar and other parties, Araqchi said, Iran has insisted that hostilities must end on all fronts. Otherwise, he warned, regional stability would remain out of reach.

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign minister said the strategic waterway had remained open for decades, with neither Iran nor Oman, its two coastal states, imposing restrictions on maritime traffic. Instead, he said, the two countries have worked to ensure security and safety and protect the marine environment.

However, Araqchi stressed that the strait’s management “will not be the same as before.”

Addressing renewed talk of war, he declared, “Whether war happens or not, our policies remain in place.” Araqchi added that if reason prevails, military aggression against the Iranian people will not be repeated.

Araqchi reiterated that Iran and other countries in the region should live together in peace without foreign interference, describing this as the only path toward regional peace, security and stability.

Tehran has consistently pursued this policy and maintains relations with all countries in the Persian Gulf region, the minister stated.

Iran would continue working toward a common understanding on a new regional security architecture, he added, calling such an arrangement the only way to establish lasting peace and stability.

The meeting also paid tribute to Kharrazi, whom Araqchi said had devoted his life to serving Iran before attaining the rank of martyrdom. He said the veteran diplomat was deeply committed to the ideals of the Islamic Revolution while being widely known for his thoughtfulness, consultation, dialogue and diplomacy.

Kharrazi served as Iran’s foreign minister from 1997 to 2005 and as the country’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 1989 to 1997. He was also a university professor and an advocate of multilateralism, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through his participation in the annual Leaders for Peace conference in Paris.

On April 1, 2026, the Israeli regime attacked Kharrazi’s residence in Tehran, critically injuring him and killing his wife. He died from his injuries on April 9. Iran condemned the attack as an act of state terrorism, saying it violated international law and formed part of a broader campaign against Iranian civilians, civilian infrastructure and senior civilian officials during the war of aggression launched on February 28, 2026. Tehran also condemned the US complicity and support for the attack.