Iran’s President Urges Unity among Muslim ‘Brothers’
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, referred to Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries as "brothers" and urged Muslim unity.
In the meeting with the Saudi top diplomat in Doha on Thursday, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of Muslim unity in the face of Israeli actions, calling for increased cooperation among Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia.
He stressed the necessity of convergence among Muslim nations to counter Israeli aggression, describing countries like Saudi Arabia as "brothers."
Pezeshkian expressed his satisfaction with the positive development in Iran-Saudi relations and reiterated Tehran’s commitment to further strengthen its interactions with Riyadh.
“We regard Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, as our brothers, and emphasize the need to set aside differences and enhance cooperation and synergy,” Pezeshkian said, noting that the spread of Islam was driven by unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic ties in March 2023 following a seven-year break, thanks to a China-mediated agreement that led to the reopening of embassies.
Pezeshkian pointed to the troubling situation in Gaza and Lebanon, describing Israeli aggression as one of the foremost issues confronting the Muslim world. He also referenced Iran’s recent missile strike on Israeli military and intelligence sites, labeling it a "legitimate response" to ongoing Israeli crimes after the false promise of a Gaza ceasefire in exchange for Tehran’s restraint.
Muslims, Pezeshkian said, must not remain indifferent to the suffering of their Palestinian and Lebanese brothers and sisters.
“The Zionist regime’s crimes in Gaza are a result of divisions and indifference among Islamic countries. If we don’t unite, today it's Gaza and Lebanon, and tomorrow it will be other Islamic cities and nations,” he warned.
“If the Zionist regime has today dared commit crimes and genocide in Gaza, it is due to the Islamic countries’ rifts and indifference,” he added.
He further highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant role in halting Israeli atrocities, emphasizing the importance of consultations between Saudi Arabia and Western countries.
The Saudi foreign minister echoed the desire to enhance Saudi-Iranian relations and resolve outstanding issues.
He also addressed the escalating situation in Gaza and Lebanon, expressing confidence in Iran’s wisdom in handling the situation and moving towards peace in the region.