TEHRAN- The U.S.-influenced UN Security Council has come under fire from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who declared that there is no reason to believe that the global organization will uphold world peace and security.

Speaking on Sunday in Tehran during a meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, Raisi asserted that by arming the regime with military hardware, the U.S. is helping Israel commit crimes against the helpless people of Gaza.

He also noted that the U.S. has also obstructed a draft resolution by the UN Security Council denouncing the crimes committed by Israel.

“So, there is no longer any hope for this Council to play a role in maintaining global peace,” Raisi added. 

He also applauded the population and government of South Africa for their support of the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israel.

The president praised South Africa’s “responsible” attitude in rejecting the Tel Aviv regime an observer status at the African Union, citing Israel’s crimes against civilians, particularly Palestinian women and children.

Pandor, for her part, stated that Iran’s inclusion in the BRICS group of developing economies was the result of an agreement among the member countries.

According to the South African minister, Iran can play a useful role in BRICS and boosting concerted efforts to achieve success.

She made clear that South Africa is eager to expand its collaboration with Iran, particularly in the economic area.

“Biden pro-Israel comments are regressive, anti-democratic, and cruel”

Addressing a cabinet session on Sunday, Raisi severely condemned his American counterpart’s recent pro-Israeli remarks as reactionary and “anti-democratic”.

He was referring to Joe Biden’s statements during his visit to the occupied territories earlier this month who said, “I have long said: If Israel didn’t exist, we would have to invent it.”

Raisi added, “The Americans must answer this question: Which international law, agreement or regulations are compatible with such remarks?”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Raisi said Biden’s comments also serve as a “warning” to Muslim states in the region, adding, “Such remarks are indicative of the fact that for the United States, preserving the Zionist regime is considerably more important than protecting the lives of human beings, especially women and children.”

“Today, the question posed to governments, world powers and international organizations by the people of the world is how they can allow an arrogant regime like Israel to kill the oppressed women and children of Palestine in such a barbaric and bloody manner with the U.S. support right in front of their eyes,” Raisi said.

He went on to stress, “What is happening in Gaza against the oppressed people of this region is a clear example of war crimes and crimes against humanity.”