Iran’s Raisi Pledges to Continue Negotiations over Removal of Sanctions

Raisi makes a statement at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. (Iranian Presidency)
Raisi makes a statement at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. (Iranian Presidency)
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Iran’s Raisi Pledges to Continue Negotiations over Removal of Sanctions

Raisi makes a statement at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. (Iranian Presidency)
Raisi makes a statement at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. (Iranian Presidency)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi pledged that his government will move forward in negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement. The negotiations revolve around lifting US sanctions on Iran in exchange for its return to the commitments outlined in the nuclear deal.

Raisi defended his administration’s foreign policy approach during a press statement delivered on Friday following his participation in the BRICS summit held in South Africa.

Returning from the summit, he carried a full hand, as the group agreed to Iran’s request to join – a second “achievement” that Raisi’s government proudly boasted of, following its inclusion last year in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Iran aims, through its membership in both groups, to confront US sanctions and Washington barring it from accessing the dollar.

This aligns with the “sanctions evasion” strategy advocated for years by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, with the objective of nullifying Western sanctions imposed on Tehran.

The sanctions were imposed over Iran’s nuclear program, the activities of the Revolutionary Guard, including their development of ballistic missiles and regional meddling, and human rights concerns.

Raisi attempted to showcase the steps his government took to secure BRICS membership.

He highlighted the visit of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to South Africa, as well as the participation of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran in a meeting with his counterparts within the BRICS group.

Raisi attributed his country’s regional activities as a key factor leading to the “consensus” among BRICS nations to grant Iran membership.

“The significance of Iran’s geopolitical position and active role in various regional issues is evident to all,” he said.

He further emphasized that joining international groups and alliances is among the top priorities pursued by his government in its foreign policy.

“In foreign policy, we do not pursue just one option or a single issue at the table; we have multiple agendas in foreign policy,” revealed Raisi.

Among the priorities that he discussed was the restoration of relations with regional neighbors.

He said that Iran’s relationships with neighboring countries were among the unfinished agendas.

“We lacked relations with some neighbors for years. Over the past two years, we exerted significant efforts to establish ties with them and took impactful steps in this regard,” he added.



Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
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Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo

Belgium's King Philippe described abuses in Gaza as a "disgrace to humanity" in a speech on the eve of Monday's national day, unusually direct remarks on international affairs from a monarch who traditionally avoids public politics.

"I add my voice to all those who denounce the serious humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs while trapped in their enclaves," he said speaking at his palace in Brussels, Reuters reported.

"The current situation has gone on for far too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately end this unbearable crisis."

It was the first time Philippe has spoken out so strongly and unambiguously about a conflict in public. Belgium's federal government has been more reserved in its criticism of the conflict in Gaza.

The king's role in Belgium is limited to giving advice, support, and warnings to the government without making any political decisions.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza following an October 2023 attack on Israeli towns by Hamas-led fighters. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials there. Much of the territory has been laid to waste and Israel has restricted food and other supplies.

Israel denies that its forces commit abuses in Gaza and says restrictions on supplies are needed to prevent aid from being diverted by militants.