Zarif: Region must choose between endless aggression and dawn of true cooperation
Tehran - BORNA - In an article published in Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned in the wake of Israel's recent attack on Qatar that the West Asian region stands at a historic crossroads: the continuation of aggression or the beginning of genuine cooperation.
Zarif wrote: "Israel's shameless aggression against Qatar has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that West Asia is on the precipice and must choose between endless aggression and the dawn of true cooperation."
Outlining a picture of Israel's actions in the region—ranging from "ongoing genocide in Gaza" and "systematic ethnic cleansing in the West Bank" to "daily attacks against Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and now Qatar"—Zarif described these measures as part of a "relentless campaign of destabilization."
Zarif emphasized: "Israel's bombings respect no red lines. In Iran, the assassination of scientists and the attack on our facilities constitute overt acts of state terrorism. In Qatar, the terrorist aggression against peace negotiators demonstrates that peace is the only existential threat to Israel."
He viewed these actions as extending beyond the decisions of an extremist cabinet, characterizing them instead as part of a "broader, calculated strategy to subjugate the entire region"—a strategy rooted in the "Greater Israel" project.
The former Iranian foreign minister went on to elaborate on the dimensions of this project, labeling it an "expansionist, racist, and colonialist plan" designed to cement Israeli dominance across the region through tools such as "genocide, ethnic cleansing, annexation, and the distortion of history." He added: "This barbaric illusion aims to dismantle the foundations of international law and guarantee absolute impunity through the unwavering support of Western powers, especially the United States."
Referring to the Israeli Prime Minister's speech at the UN General Assembly last year and the unveiling of the "Map of Blessing" and the "Map of Curse," Zarif dismissed the move as "cover for the wicked scheme of bombing the entire region." Enumerating a list of Israeli actions, he sarcastically remarked that these measures represent the "blessing" planned for West Asia.
Zarif wrote: "Famine as a weapon in Gaza, apartheid, brutality, and land grabs in the West Bank, daily assaults against civilians and vital infrastructure in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, blatant aggression and the assassination of scientists alongside their families, neighbors, and passersby in Iran, the aerial bombardment of peace negotiators in Qatar, the shelling of United Nations bodies—including schools and hospitals—and the targeting and massacre of hundreds of journalists in the attack on the Al-Sumoud humanitarian flotilla showcase the 'blessing' that this war criminal and his accomplices and backers plan for West Asia."
In contrast to this landscape, Zarif presented the vision of a "strong region"—an alternative perspective founded on "justice, compassion, empathy, sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, and mutual aid" aimed at "strengthening equitable partnerships for regional stability."
He stressed: "This requires moving beyond zero-sum calculations and embracing synergy, where cooperation multiplies everyone's power."
Drawing a dichotomy between "surrender to Israel's destructive project" and "building a future of shared security and prosperity," the former Iranian foreign minister called for "bold, forward-looking initiatives," proposing the establishment of a "West Asian Muslim Dialogue Forum (Mowaddah Initiative)" for continuous consultations across security, economic, and cultural domains.
He also addressed the nuclear issue, criticizing the "armed nuclear aggressor" for securitizing peaceful technology while underscoring the potential of nuclear energy to resolve regional crises. He suggested that regional countries participate in the "Minaret" network to undertake joint investments in enrichment, waste management, nuclear fusion, and medical isotopes, while ensuring transparency and building trust through a joint oversight board.
In conclusion, Zarif framed the "strong region" as a framework for turning the "sacrifice of resistance" into a "strategy," writing: "By co-creating an inspiring future for West Asia, the countries and nations of the region can neutralize the barbaric medieval illusion of Greater Israel and secure a new Middle East free from bigotry, apartheid, aggression, and weapons of mass destruction."
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