Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the Israeli offensive in Gaza, describing it as a crime against humanity and an affront to the universal values of justice and dignity upheld by the Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in New York, convened to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Araghchi used his address to reaffirm Iran’s commitment to the Prophet’s timeless message of compassion, justice, and resistance against oppression.
The Iranian diplomat said the Prophet’s life was a model of kindness and moral strength, offering shelter to the vulnerable, lifting the poor, and restoring human dignity while rejecting tyranny and injustice. “Today, following his example means standing up against oppression, defending the truth, and upholding justice, equality, and dignity for all,” he told delegates.
Araghchi noted that the OIC’s initiative to celebrate the Prophet’s birth was not just ceremonial but a call to action. He urged the global community to embrace the Prophet’s enduring values, which transcend religious and cultural boundaries and can inspire deeper cooperation across nations. “These values are desperately needed today to create more friendly relations between nations and people in our turbulent world,” he said.
Pivoting to current crises, Araghchi reserved some of his sharpest words for Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. He accused the “Zionist regime” of committing atrocities against civilians and destroying entire cities. “Today in Gaza, the Zionist regime is massacring tens of thousands of innocent women, men, and children, turning entire cities into piles of rubble,” he declared.
The Iranian minister argued that such acts amount to crimes against humanity and an insult to the Prophet’s legacy, which emphasized the sanctity of human life. Quoting Islamic teachings, Araghchi said: “Killing an innocent person is like killing all of humanity.” He insisted that the international community has a duty to take immediate action to protect human dignity, stand in solidarity with the oppressed, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Iranian Diplomat Araghchi Denounces Israeli Conduct as Crimes Against Humanity
Throughout his remarks, Araghchi emphasized the universality of the Prophet’s message, describing it as one that speaks to all of humanity regardless of race, color, or ethnicity. “His divine message transcends time and space, emphasizing that every human being is worthy of dignity and respect,” he said.
He highlighted the Prophet’s call for justice and his uncompromising resistance to oppression as a source of inspiration for nations worldwide. These values, Araghchi argued, remain essential in a fractured global order marked by division, mistrust, and conflict.
The Iranian foreign minister also underscored the importance of dialogue, one of the key lessons from the Prophet’s life. “In a world full of division and distrust, we must remember another lesson from the Prophet’s life: the art of respectful dialogue,” he said. “He taught us to build trust and understanding across religions and civilizations, and showed us that diversity is a sign of God’s creation.”
Araghchi stressed that commemorating the Prophet’s 1,500th anniversary should not only be about honoring the past but also about shaping the future. He urged OIC member states and the broader international community to translate the Prophet’s legacy into concrete action.
“If the Prophet’s legacy is to uplift the oppressed, then our mission must be to eradicate poverty, empower people in vulnerable situations, and protect the environment that God has entrusted to us for future generations,” he said. “Only then can we say that we are walking in his path.”
The Iranian minister positioned these goals as a moral responsibility shared by all nations, particularly those represented in the OIC, which brings together more than 50 Muslim-majority countries. He suggested that humanitarian partnerships, educational cooperation, and cultural dialogue could serve as tools to advance the Prophet’s message in today’s global context.Araghchi’s speech came at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, particularly over the war in Gaza, which has drawn widespread condemnation from across the Muslim world. His remarks align with Tehran’s longstanding position of vocal opposition to Israel and strong advocacy for Palestinian rights, but they also echoed broader calls for global justice, equality, and peace.
By framing Israel’s actions as not only a political or regional issue but also a moral affront to universal human values, Araghchi sought to rally OIC member states behind a common cause while projecting Iran’s role as a defender of justice within the Islamic world.
As the OIC marked the Prophet Muhammad’s 1,500th birth anniversary, Araghchi’s words served both as a tribute to the Prophet’s legacy and as a pointed critique of the contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world. His call for unity, justice, and action underscored the continuing relevance of the Prophet’s teachings in addressing modern crises—from war and poverty to inequality and environmental degradation.
Source- Mehrnews
