Khatibzadeh: Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to Iran's proposal regarding Yemen

Today, the Secretary of State and our government have offered any assistance - of course, assistance in mediation - but to date we have received no positive response. Of course, we must say that the siege of Yemen and the Yemeni people must end, Yemenis must return to their normal lives, a ceasefire between the two sides must be established, and our friends must accept mediation so that Iran can create this space.

Deputy Araghchi emphasized that Saudi Arabia has not yet responded to Iran's mediation response regarding Yemen.

According to Ambassador Arjan, Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said in an interview with Al-Mayadeen: The outcome of any negotiation should be consistent with the outcome of the war.

Al-Mayadin's interview with Khatibzadeh is as follows:

Trying to resolve disagreements

Khatibzadeh, who arrived in Beirut on Wednesday, said about his trip to Lebanon that "today and yesterday [Thursday and Friday] we had good meetings and useful discussions, either at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Mr. Nabieh Bari or even with the Prime Minister" and explained that "some time ago, Mr. Mezikian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and also the Prime Minister of Lebanon met in New York. After this meeting, a telephone call was made between Araghchi and the honorable President of the Republic of Lebanon, Mr. Aoun" and "during this visit, we tried to... resolve the gaps in views".

Lebanon was and is one of the most important issues between Iran and America

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said to each other about the relationship between current issues in the region: It is clear to you and your viewers that one of the most important issues between Iran and America, whether before the war or before the MOU in Islamabad and the negotiations that took place there, and even during the signing of that MOU, was the situation in Lebanon. The occupying regime must end the war in the Levant and Lebanon. We live in an area where all issues are interconnected; We do not have any issues that are independent from other issues and can be discussed separately. This is one of the characteristics of the region of West Asia and the Middle East.

I will also tell you that what is happening in Ukraine is related to many things that are happening in the South Caucasus, and what is happening in the South Caucasus may be related to what is happening in the Arabian Peninsula. And also what is happening in the Persian Gulf. So, in addition, there are many events happening in Lebanon and the entire Levant region that are connected... One of Iran's conditions in the mediation was that the wars end. Of course, if these wars continue on any front, it means that the war continues on all fronts, because there is a connection and interdependence in this field... We are very happy that as a responsible country, we committed to ending the war in Lebanon and were able to achieve this goal.

America violated the Islamabad agreement

Khatibzadeh further emphasized and clarified an important matter: "Of course, everyone knows that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was violated by the Zionists and the Americans by attacking southern Lebanon and Iran and southern Iran. Of course, this violation occurred a few days after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and what is happening today is the continuation of this path. You asked about these priorities; What are the priorities that we address in negotiations and discussions?

I explained what was happening now and we also discussed the seven day proposal made in New York. We also discussed the latest changes and developments in the front lines of Lebanon and what is happening from the side of the Zionist regime and the occupying regime. Of course, there are details that cannot be discussed now, and certainly there will be an exchange of views. As for our dear brothers in Lebanon, I briefed them on the details of the negotiations and emphasized to them that we are determined to include Lebanon in any agreement. And of course I will return to Tehran with these suggestions.

The [Lebanon] negotiation process in Washington has reached an impasse

Khatibzadeh further explained: We are aware of what happened [in the negotiations between Lebanon and the Zionist regime] in Washington and what is happening there. And of course, here, in my meetings with many people, I hear that the process in Washington has reached a dead end. Of course, for us in Tehran, this was clear from the beginning and it is clear now: the regime occupying Quds opened this path to sabotage the process in Islamabad... This regime is reneging on all its obligations... Of course, this is a national decision on the part of Lebanon, a decision we are definitely aware of. We can facilitate and accelerate the negotiation process; We do not act on behalf of Lebanon. We can facilitate the end of the war and to the extent that the Lebanese government requests, we can proceed in this direction. Naturally, the Lebanese government is the main party that decides in this regard.

The existence of Hezbollah is the result of Israel's occupation

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs explained further on the issue of Lebanon: Some [countries] do not want good relations between Lebanon and Iran, and of course they try to interfere in Lebanon's affairs. We know which countries are trying in this field and billions of dollars are spent in this field. There are also many fake stories about Iran and they try to aggravate the sectarian differences in Lebanon and accuse Iran of many things. Of course, as an expert in some international affairs, I know that some countries are trying to achieve their international interests, but these interests are not necessarily aligned with the interests of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese people.

Anyone who knows well knows that Hezbollah is a Lebanese party. Did Hezbollah exist before 1982? did not exist Hezbollah is a direct result of Israel and the Zionist regime's attacks on Lebanon and its occupation. Of course, the zealous youth of Lebanon, regardless of their sectarian or religious background, came together and founded this party to end the Israeli occupation and ensure that all these crimes committed against the Lebanese people do not go unpunished.

This is the core of the formation of the resistance... To tell you frankly, as I have clearly told the Lebanese people, the relationship between two nations, two governments and two countries is what strengthens us. But when it comes to confronting the tyrant, the one who wants to occupy our friends' [soil], we try to help them, and that's no secret. Everyone should know that the occupying regime has no mercy or respect for international laws.

The issue of Iran's ambassador to Lebanon can be resolved through dialogue

Khatibzadeh also said about the issue of the Lebanese government regarding Iran's ambassador in Beirut: Every action can be done in a friendly manner with care and attention... Friendly countries solve their problems in different ways, not through the media. There are professional diplomatic channels through which these problems can be resolved... As for the ambassador issue, I don't want to go into that specifically. The process is now in place, but this ambassador has obtained a visa and arrived here, and I can say that something unusual has happened and it needs to be resolved with planning and knowledge to preserve relationships that are much more than these mere technical details. Of course, our friends in Lebanon have opinions and we also have opinions, and I am sure that this issue can be resolved through knowledge and management.

America's domestic policy is not important to us

In response to a question about US policy, Khatibzadeh stated: US domestic policy is not important to us... What is important to us is that the US has a responsibility to fulfill its obligations, which has not happened. So it doesn't matter to us whether Trump is talking to the American people or he wants to rely on deception or, for example, to mobilize some other groups. Elections in America are not important for us.

From our point of view, whenever America is ready to enter into a balanced compromise with us based on mutual respect, we are ready to interact with it in this framework... The alternative of diplomacy will not be attractive to America... and the entire region and all parties... As Iranian diplomats, we will not allow America to make such threats against the Iranian people, against Iranian civilization, and against the Iranian government. You would think we would live in a time when a president would come 80 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki and threaten the civilization of another country... We are now at a very critical point in history... and we must act with full responsibility, and what happens inside America is up to them. But as a government, they must act with full responsibility and commitment.

The outcome of any negotiation must be consistent with the outcome of the war

Khatibzadeh went on to point out a few points and said: Let me summarize a few points here: First, the war [against Iran] is a war that is illegal and against international laws, and everyone has seen it. In fact, America sought to change the political regime in Iran and wanted to destroy Iran... Of course, it failed in all these efforts. This war was an existential war for Iran and based on this logic, it resisted and did not let America win.

Therefore, any negotiations to establish stability in any situation must be consistent with the results of the war. When we talk about balance and equality here, it doesn't just depend on the two sides of the war, but we also have to consider the results of this war and what comes out of it, and then there is a clear text that talks about the situation after the war. America should know that now with this existential war that it imposed on Iran and the Iranian people and it was clear that it will not reach a result, it should accept to respect the rights of the Iranian nation and alone respect and respect the land of Iran and the Iranian government and the political structure that emerged from the great revolution and as a result the people's vote. He must learn how to accept the facts and coexist with the realities in the world in which the Islamic Republic of Iran lives.

In the end, war has no solution other than a diplomatic solution

Khatibzadeh added: Actually, we are talking about a text based on political exchanges. All wars have ended in a diplomatic settlement, unless the war ends in a massive victory for one side. Even this massive victory would require a diplomatic settlement, and therefore there is no other way or alternative to a diplomatic solution. Perhaps the Zionist regime has sold this narrative that Iran is weakened and will surrender to the United States and of course its allies in the United States..., but we saw what happened and saw how all the American bases in the region were destroyed and this was not a choice for Iran. Rather, it was a war that was imposed on us, and this war that was imposed on us, we stood up against it... Therefore, any agreement that we consider between Iran and the United States, which indicates the end of the war, must take this into account. This is a tip.

They attacked to destroy Iran

Khatibzadeh added: The second point; You have to ask why the US and Israel attacked Iran. You hear from time to time that the (terrorist) President of the United States says that Iran should not have a nuclear bomb, but is that really what he wants? You may remember that in the early days of the 40 Day War, if you asked their Secretary of Defense, he would say it was a crusade. Mr. Rubio also said that this is because of the threat that Iran poses to our allies in the region. And if you ask Donald Trump (criminal terrorist), he says it was to get Iran's oil, just like what happened in Venezuela. Now, he brings up the bomb issue and the nuclear issue. Everyone knows that the United States has come to change the political system in Iran, to collapse it and destroy its territorial integrity. They sent weapons, incited the people and encouraged them to change the situation. But now that he has not reached any results, he tries to make excuses and justifications here and there. Of course, this is Iran's logic.

Regarding Iran, we have presented many views to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United States. We said that if there are concerns, even unrealistic concerns, we are ready to address them. You know we signed this agreement with the Obama administration. By 2018, more than 15 agency reports indicated that Iran had adhered to all of its commitments. Even after the US pulled out of the deal a year later, and after Trump tore it up, Iran decided to reduce its commitments, but remained a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. But what did the United States do? He launched an attack, fired bombs and killed our people.

The 7-day plan was Trump's test; if they impose a war, we will fight until the last drop of blood

Khatibzadeh went on to talk about Iran's recent plan to end the war and explained: Iran has a seven-day comprehensive plan to implement the plan to open the Strait of Hormuz. Naturally, during these seven days, both parties must take certain steps. If the US is really looking for a peaceful solution, then seven days should not be a problem. From the 7th day onwards, a comprehensive dialogue can begin on all important issues concerning both sides. This was a test for the (terrorist) Trump administration: whether it really wants to succeed or whether it believes it can impose its will and dominance on us.

Of course, I tell you that war has never been our choice, but if they try to force it upon us, we will fight with all our being, to the last drop of our blood and our last breath. As we fought in the 12-day war and the 40-day war, not a single soldier of ours took leave, no military officer disappeared, no diplomat left his post and no martyr was left vacant. All the martyrs we offered - politicians, intelligence personnel and others - all these blanks have been filled. This carries a clear message along with the millions of Iranians who came to the streets and gathered around the Iranian flag: Iran stands united against the enemy, and the more brutal the enemy, the braver and more resistant our resistance will be.

America's superpower is a thing of the past/What America did not achieve in war, it will not achieve at the negotiating table

Khatibzadeh emphasized that the United States is a superpower, this is a thing of the past. The United States must accept this fact. And I want to repeat what I said about the negotiations to end the war: the United States failed to impose its hegemony. Can't lead negotiations based on dominance. I said that the negotiations reflect the outcome of the war and the end of the war should show how both sides can reverse those outcomes. Of course, when we talk about the current state of the world, this is not a favorable situation. What the United States did not achieve in the war against Iran, it did not achieve and will not achieve at the negotiating table.

You also talked about changing the world order; In fact, this has been happening for several years and we are currently in a transition phase from the world we knew in the past to the world we will see in the future... The powers that were supposed to dominate are now rethinking their actions to maintain their power. Finally, the outlines of this change and transformation that we are currently experiencing will be clear. Of course, there is a lot of ambiguity and uncertainty around this path, but the world must understand that our region is witnessing how the system based on security imposed by the United States is no longer applicable, the system based on buying security from outside the region is no longer applicable, and the system based on mistrust between neighboring countries no longer exists...

The war showed how the soil of Kuwait and Bahrain was used to attack Iran

Khatibzadeh emphasized that the Zionist regime has dangerous plans for the countries of the region, and the region has entered a critical stage. The moment of truth has arrived. We cannot close our eyes to the realities of the region, nor can we ignore the fact that the expansionist policies of the occupying Al-Quds regime in the Persian Gulf region, as well as their actions in the United Arab Emirates, will ultimately harm the region. We also can't ignore the fact that the US 5th Fleet is there fishing in Bahrain... Of course, we can no longer pretend that we don't know what's going on there, or that there aren't 5,000km-range radars in the Persian Gulf pointing at Iran. This war has shown how the soil of Kuwait and Bahrain was used to attack Iran.

Children in Minab were killed by rockets fired from Persian Gulf countries. There is a simple question that the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf must answer: are the US bases in your countries under your national sovereignty or under the sovereignty of the United States? This has a special meaning if it is governed by the United States. But if it is under your national sovereignty and the attack started from there and led to the martyrdom of our children and thousands of Iranians and the targeting of civilian centers, these countries cannot play the role of the victim. When I say the moment of truth has come, everyone is witnessing the truth now. But this moment of truth has an incentive to move towards a security system based on cooperation between us.

We have to accept that we are not a source of danger to each other, there is no base to attack Iran and they cannot form a coalition against Iran and Iraq. You know that some of the initiatives taken in the Persian Gulf were against Iran and Iraq. What I see now in Tehran, in Iran, is that we, as the great powers of the region, must now try to get out of this situation. Of course, we are sure and we must know that the United States is not here to serve the interests of the country... and of course, the Zionist regime is not here to serve the interests of the Persian Gulf countries. They are only here to further their interests and naturally to harm their competitors.