TEHRAN- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said the United States uses human rights as a tool to advance its own interests.

Speaking with Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine in Tehran on Thursday, Raisi noted that the United States and Western countries have a disastrous record of plundering other countries’ resources and assets, while proclaiming commitment to human rights. 

“The ongoing situation in Gaza and what is happening to its oppressed people reveal the true nature of these countries that claim to advocate human rights and shows that the lives of humans have no value for them,” he added.

Israel began relentless bombing of Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas launched “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm” against the occupying regime.

The regime’s staunch ally, the United States, provides the Israeli regime with solid political and military support.

To date, at least 25,700 Palestinians, about 70% of whom are women, children and adolescents, have been killed in the brutal attack.

Elsewhere in the meeting, Raisi said Iran has good relations with African countries, especially Niger, going beyond merely political and diplomatic ties.

The President said there are no obstacles that can hinder the development of relations between Iran and Niger, signaling Tehran’s readiness to exchange capabilities with Niamey in various fields, especially in the energy, industrial and mining sectors as well as exporting technical engineering services.

He also welcomed the great progress the  Nigerien people have made on their path to independence and freedom, adding that “he is confident that they would have a very bright future.”

For his part, the Prime Minister of Niger said that Iran plays a leading role in regional and international issues.

Zein added that the people of Iran and Niger share views on religious principles, the pursuit of independence and the demand for rights.

He also noted that Niger considers Iran as a trusted friend and partner because of the commonalities between the two countries.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Niger wants to expand relations with Iran in different fields.

Last year, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian held talks with his  Nigerien counterpart Bakary Yao Sangare in Tehran.

The two parties discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. His visit comes as France’s days as a military power in Africa, including Niger, are numbered.  
In the press conference, Amir Abdollahian also said despite deceptive statements from U.S. officials, Washington is supplying the occupying regime with weapons, fueling Israel’s continued genocide in the Gaza Strip.

“One of the important issues raised during today’s meeting was the issue of Palestine and the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza,” Amir Abdollahian said.

Unfortunately, the United States has been offering its one-sided and full support to the Zionist regime,” Amir Abdollahian said, adding, “Today, the American security apparatus is managing Israel’s war on Gaza.”

Abdollahian then discussed the direct U.S. involvement in the Israeli war against Gaza and the Tel Aviv regime’s attempts to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the coastal region.