‘Six Binding Principles’ by Khamenei for Iranian Foreign Policy

 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his reception of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in Tehran.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his reception of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in Tehran.
TT

‘Six Binding Principles’ by Khamenei for Iranian Foreign Policy

 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his reception of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in Tehran.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during his reception of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials in Tehran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei recently articulated “six binding principles” that define Tehran’s foreign policy in a formal statement.

Khamenei voiced his endorsement of the current administration’s strategy in fostering relationships with neighboring nations, underscoring the importance of maintaining astute and adaptable diplomacy while upholding core values.

He also issued a warning against what he labeled as “diplomacy of appeasement.”

Khamenei emphasized the importance of engaging with like-minded countries and Islamic nations, according to a statement on his official website.

He underscored the significance of a robust foreign policy and an efficient diplomatic apparatus as crucial elements for successful governance.

“The current government’s policy of establishing relations with neighboring countries is highly important and correct,” said Khamenei.

Also, he cautioned against foreign interference that fuels tensions between Iran and its neighbors.

Khamenei’s remarks on regional developments come after Saudi Arabia and Iran, mediated by China, announced an agreement on March 10 to restore diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and consulates within two months.

Regarding Tehran’s relations with Beijing and Moscow, Khamenei said: “Today, the support of some major and important world powers who share the same orientations as Iran in certain international policy movements and fundamentals is unprecedented.”

“We must appreciate this opportunity and enhance relations with those countries,” he added.

Khamenei further imposed six guidelines for the diplomatic apparatus to adhere to, emphasizing that compliance with these criteria is indicative of a successful foreign policy.

He stressed that failure to adhere to these guidelines would result in challenges within the realm of foreign policy theory, diplomatic performance, and its operations.

The first principle that Khamenei outlined is the ability to convincingly explain the rationale behind the country’s approach to various issues.

The other five principles included: “Having an effective, directive presence in various political-economic phenomena, events and currents in the world,” “Overcoming and reducing threatening policies and decisions against Iran,” “Weakening dangerous centers,” “Strengthening the governments and organizations that are allies with Iran as well as developing the country’s strategic depth,” and “The ability to detect the hidden layers in regional and global decisions and actions.”

Khamenei stressed that a good and successful foreign policy will improve the state of Iran.

 



Pro-Palestinian NGOs Sue Dutch Gov't over Israel Support

A Palestinian flag is removed from a building by Israeli authorities after being put up by an advocacy group that promotes coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian flag is removed from a building by Israeli authorities after being put up by an advocacy group that promotes coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AP)
TT

Pro-Palestinian NGOs Sue Dutch Gov't over Israel Support

A Palestinian flag is removed from a building by Israeli authorities after being put up by an advocacy group that promotes coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AP)
A Palestinian flag is removed from a building by Israeli authorities after being put up by an advocacy group that promotes coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, in Ramat Gan, Israel, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AP)

Pro-Palestinian groups took the Dutch state to court Friday, urging a halt to arms exports to Israel and accusing the government of failing to prevent what they termed a genocide in Gaza.

The NGOs argued that Israel is breaking international law in Gaza and the West Bank, invoking, amongst others, the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention set up in the wake of the Holocaust.

"Israel is guilty of genocide and apartheid" and "is using Dutch weapons to wage war", said Wout Albers, a lawyer representing the NGOs.

"Dutch weapons are killing children, every day, in Palestine, including my family," said Ahmed Abofoul, a legal advisor to Al Haq, one of the groups involved in the suit, AFP reported.

Israel furiously denies accusations of genocide as it presses on with the offensive in Gaza it began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Opening the case at the court in The Hague, judge Sonja Hoekstra noted: "It is important to underline that the gravity of the situation in Gaza is not contested by the Dutch State, nor is the status of the West Bank."

"Today is about finding out what is legally in play and what can be expected of the State, if the State can be expected to do more, or act differently than it is currently acting," she added.

She acknowledged this was a "sensitive case", saying: "It's a whole legal debate."

The lawyer for the Dutch State, Reimer Veldhuis, said the Netherlands has been applying European laws in force for arms exports.

Veldhuis argued the case should be tossed out.

"It is unlikely that the minister responsible will grant an arms export licence to Israel that would contribute to the Israeli army's activities in Gaza or the West Bank," said Veldhuis.