Iranian Envoy Sees US Weakness in Mecca Pact, Welcomes Bangladesh’s Balanced Stance
Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi recently stated that Bangladesh’s foreign policy is well-balanced. He said none of Bangladesh’s decisions are a concern for Iran. The Ambassador made these comments after meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs-1, Humaiun Kobir.
Mr. Rahimi clarified Iran’s view on the Mecca Pact. He said Iran does not believe this pact is against it. The Ambassador added that Iran is not worried about the Mecca Pact at all.
However, Mr. Rahimi believes the Mecca Pact shows a weakness in US security in the Middle East. He noted that Iran has no challenge or opposition with Saudi Arabia. Iran also has very good friends in Turkey and Pakistan. Iran maintains good relations with all these countries.
The Ambassador explained Iran’s actions during its conflict with the United States and Israel. He said Iran only attacked US military bases located in Arab countries. Iran never attacked the land or territory of any Arab nation.
Mr. Rahimi spoke about the US strategy in the region. He said the US message was always simple. It told countries, “Give us land for military bases and buy our weapons. Then we will protect you.” He claimed the US used this excuse to attack Iran. The US wanted to change Iran’s government and take its uranium. It also aimed to stop Iran’s missile production and show its military power.
But Mr. Rahimi stated that the US efforts did not work. Iran’s political system has not changed. Its enriched uranium is still in Iran’s hands. He also noted that Iranian missiles recently hit targets at US military bases. These bases are located in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The Iranian Ambassador sees the Mecca Pact as a sign of US strategic defeat. He said Muslim nations in the region now understand. They know that US weapons cannot give them real security. The US has spent billions of dollars to keep sea routes open. But Mr. Rahimi thinks the Mecca Pact is only a small part of the US’s wider failure.
Mr. Rahimi also addressed joining the Mecca Pact. He said Iran has not offered to join on its own. However, if member states invite or propose Iran’s participation, Iran will consider it.
About ten years ago, Iran made a similar proposal. It suggested a Middle East free of nuclear weapons. No country in the region would have nuclear weapons. But Israel or the United States did not support this idea. Iran’s second proposal was for a joint defense agreement among all Islamic nations. Arab nations did not support it then. They believed the United States provided enough security.
The Ambassador now asks Arab nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. He questioned if the US has given them the security they wanted. He also asked if the US could stop Iranian missiles that flew through their airspace.
