Lead

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, has called the US-Iran memorandum of understanding a "declaration of defeat" by the United States. He also rejected external involvement in the Middle East's political and security order, calling for expanded intra-regional cooperation.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported Ghalibaf's remarks on Wednesday, noting that he said regional countries alone should determine the Middle East's political and security order. According to the report, Ghalibaf's comments were broadcast on state television and came as Iran and the United States seek to conclude a lasting peace agreement.

TASS, the Russian state news agency, also covered the speech, focusing on Iran's readiness to enter into security agreements with Persian Gulf nations. According to TASS, Ghalibaf made the remarks during a session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC member states in Baku.

Key Claims

  • Ghalibaf emphasized the importance of cooperation and regional security, stating that Iran has a special interest in Muslim countries, particularly those in the region, including the Persian Gulf nations. As reported by TASS, he said Iran is ready to make agreements with them in the field of security, reinforced by sustainable economic cooperation. "This will make it possible to defend them against common enemies and make their territories safe for all investors," he added.
  • The Jerusalem Post quoted Ghalibaf as saying, "No one's security should depend on the insecurity of others." He also said, "The resistance of the Iranian people showed that the era of imposing one's will on independent nations has ended."
  • Ghalibaf described the recent conflict, which he referred to as the Ramadan War, as "not simply a military confrontation; rather, it was an organized effort to change the strategic balance of the region and impose its will on a free nation," according to the Jerusalem Post.
  • He argued that lasting peace would result from "authority, respect, and dignity," not from "submission" or "humiliation," as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
  • TASS reported that Ghalibaf reiterated Tehran's demand for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Middle Eastern countries.
  • The Jerusalem Post noted that Ghalibaf said the Baku meeting would offer an opportunity to explain developments after the recent conflict.
  • Regarding the US-Iran memorandum, the Jerusalem Post reported that Ghalibaf called it a "declaration of defeat" by the United States.

Perspectives

  • Iranian Government Viewpoint: As articulated by Speaker Ghalibaf, Iran sees regional security as the exclusive domain of regional countries, rejects foreign military presence, and interprets the US-Iran memorandum as a sign of US defeat, reflecting Iran's narrative of resistance and resilience.
  • Russian State Media Framing: TASS's coverage emphasizes Iran's readiness for security cooperation with Persian Gulf nations and highlights Tehran's demand for withdrawal of foreign forces, presenting Iran as a constructive regional actor seeking dialogue and economic integration.