TEHRAN – In an interview with Newsweek on Tuesday, acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani asserted that Israel is losing its battle against the Axis of Resistance in West Asia.

Discussing the rise of the Axis of Resistance, which includes groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, Baqeri Kani highlighted the increasing coordination among these factions against Israel. He stated that the regional balance of power has shifted in favor of the Resistance since October 7, with Israel unable to alter this new dynamic despite escalating violence. "The Zionists have been trying to continue and intensify the killings and atrocities in Gaza to change the balance, but they have failed to achieve these objectives," he noted.

Baqeri Kani elaborated on his visit to New York, highlighting his participation in two pivotal United Nations Security Council sessions. "On Tuesday, there will be a meeting on multilateralism, and on Wednesday, there will be a session regarding Palestine and the developments in Gaza," he explained.

He stressed Iran's unwavering commitment to multilateral mechanisms and the critical role of the United Nations in fostering global stability and peace. "Unilateralism cannot bring about solutions to global issues. It is not only ineffective but also hinders access to peace, stability, welfare, progress, and development for different nations and people worldwide," he emphasized.

Baqeri Kani pointed to the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a prime example of unilateralism's failures. He also criticized U.S. support for Israel, accusing it of exacerbating the Gaza conflict by supplying advanced weaponry.

Baqeri Kani underscored Iran's dedication to promoting multilateralism as a pathway to a more just and stable world. "Through multilateralism, we can create a world that is more just, more transparent, more democratic, and more stable," he asserted. He noted Iran's active participation in international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, as part of its efforts to support multilateralism.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, Baqeri Kani called for immediate international action to halt Israeli genocide and aggression in Gaza. He urged the UN Security Council to intervene, even suggesting the use of force if necessary. He stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid for Gaza and the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories. "The Zionists must unconditionally, rapidly, and swiftly evacuate from all of the occupied Palestinian territories in Gaza," he declared.

Baqeri Kani voiced his skepticism about the Biden administration's ceasefire plan in Gaza. "We believe that the United States is not an honest mediator regarding the issue of Palestine and Gaza," he argued. He emphasized that halting the delivery of weapons to Israel would demonstrate genuine U.S. intentions for peace.

Baqeri Kani dismissed Israeli threats against Iran, labeling Israel as an "illegitimate aggressor" unable to confront Iran effectively. He reiterated Iran's commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and emphasized its dedication to peaceful nuclear activities. "Iran will make use of all its potential and capacities within the framework of the NPT and the Safeguards Agreement to expand its peaceful nuclear activities according to its national plans and programs," he said.

Highlighting Iran's strengthening ties with China and Russia, Baqeri Kani focused on regional stability and economic cooperation. He praised China's role in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia and noted Russia's involvement in developing Iran's energy infrastructure. "We believe that Russia and China are making serious efforts to consolidate mutual political confidence in the region," he explained.

Baqeri Kani expressed confidence in Iran's ability to defend itself against any threats, citing the country's advancements in military capabilities and national solidarity. He mentioned Operation True Promise as an example of Iran's deterrence capabilities. "Iran holds the potential and capacity and is determined and brave enough to safeguard its national security, national interests, as well as national sovereignty," he asserted.

Finally, Baqeri Kani discussed the potential for improved relations with the West under the incoming Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration. He emphasized Iran's openness to genuine dialogue and mutual respect. "We believe that now it is the turn and time of the other side to prove this honesty for interaction and, of course, to open a new chapter," he said.

In this comprehensive and multifaceted interview, Baqeri Kani presented Iran's firm stance on regional conflicts, its commitment to multilateralism, and its readiness to defend its national interests. 

Baqeri Kani traveled to New York to participate in two open sessions of the UN Security Council. Upon arriving on Monday, Baqeri Kani told reporters that Iran holds the U.S. responsible for Israel’s ongoing aggressive actions against the besieged Gaza Strip.

"Currently, the Americans have become a significant barrier to halting the Zionist regime's atrocities," he stated.

Describing multilateralism as "a viable alternative," Baqeri Kani highlighted Iran's membership in international bodies such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), emphasizing that Iran can effectively contribute. "We will utilize the UN Security Council's capacity to underscore the importance of multilateralism in addressing global issues," he added.

He further emphasized that Iran would use this opportunity to advocate for Palestinian rights and spotlight Israeli offenses.

"At this juncture, the Islamic Republic of Iran aims to leverage the UN Security Council's platform to defend the rights and positions of the Palestinian people and expose the crimes committed by the Zionist regime."