Boosting ties with neighboring, Muslim states a priority for Iran: Parliament speaker

Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf says Iran has always prioritized the development of its relations with neighboring and Muslim countries despite US-Israeli plots against regional security.

He made the remarks in a message addressed to the Islamic countries of the region and carried by Qatar-based Al Jazeera news network on Saturday, as the illegal US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran entered its sixth week.

“Strengthening ties with neighboring countries and the Islamic world has always been a priority for the Islamic Republic,” he said.

“Iran poses no threat to the region and has constantly extended its hands of friendship and brotherhood to its neighbors and other Muslim nations.”

Qalibaf cited a China-brokered reconciliation deal signed between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March 2023 and a meeting between the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in April 2025 as examples of Iran’s commitment to the principles of Muslim fraternity and unity, as well as distrust in arrogant powers.

He also noted that the ongoing US-Israeli war, which has not been chosen and initiated by Iran, has turned into a symbol of the endurance of those opposing the global arrogance and seeking freedom and independence.

“This war is being waged by the United States and the Zionist regime not only against Iran, but also against the security of the region and the idea of Islamic unity and brotherhood,” he added.

US's battle-tested generals defy Hegseth's betrayal of American lives for Israel: Parl. speaker

Iran

The US and Israel launched their criminal act of aggression against Iran on February 28 by assassinating Ayatollah Khamenei, along with senior military commanders, in flagrant breach of the country’s sovereignty.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching almost daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli‑occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets in regional countries, which have allowed the use of their territory and airspace for anti-Iran attacks.

The war came eight months after a 12-day US-Israeli aggression, which came to a halt due to Iran’s successful reprisal attacks.

The Parliament speaker said that during the war between June 13 and 24, 2025, Iran was capable of imposing high costs on the US, but declined to enter a regional war in a bid to prevent the escalation of the conflict and preserve the unity of the Islamic world.

Tehran, he went on, has always stressed that sustainable security is possible through relying on self-sufficiency and strategic independence.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir