TEHRAN– Iran’s acting foreign minister has issued a strong warning about the dangers posed by Israel, asserting that the country is not only a threat to the Palestinian people but also to the broader Islamic Ummah.

Ali Baqeri Kani emphasized the need for Islamic nations to adopt a unified stance, develop coherent policies, and take practical steps to counter the threats posed by the Zionist regime.

This message was conveyed during a meeting between Baqeri Kani and Ahmed Isse Awad, the foreign minister of Somalia, held on the sidelines of the Executive Committee meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah. 

In his remarks, Baqeri Kani highlighted the grave consequences of Israel's actions over the past ten months, pointing to the killing of innocent and unarmed civilians with advanced U.S. weaponry. 

He reiterated that Israel's aggressive policies and military actions are a significant threat not only to Palestinians but to all Islamic nations. "Experience has shown that Israel is not only a threat to the Palestinian people but also to the entire Islamic community. Islamic countries must have a unified voice, coherent policies, and take practical steps to address the threat posed by the Zionist regime," he urged.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Somalia’s new foreign minister to express his support for the Palestinian cause and to condemn Israel’s violations against the sovereignty and stability of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

He offered condolences for the recent martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent Palestinian Resistance leader, and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to supporting Palestine. "We appreciate the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in advocating for the Palestinian cause and defending the rights of the oppressed Palestinian people," he stated.

Furthermore, the Somali foreign minister expressed gratitude for Iran’s ongoing support in bolstering Somalia’s stability and security, particularly in its fight against terrorism. He indicated that Somalia is eager to deepen and expand its relationship with Iran, aiming to open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Mogadishu and Tehran.

During the meeting, Baqeri Kani also welcomed Somalia’s initiative to lay the groundwork for reviving diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stressed that Iran views the strengthening of relations among Islamic nations as crucial to advancing shared interests and resisting the enemies of the Islamic world. 

"We believe that Islamic countries should enhance their relationships in line with common interests and in opposition to the adversaries of the Islamic world. Iran places no restrictions on developing and expanding ties with African nations," Baqeri Kani stated.

‘Iran to exercise its inherent right to self-defense’

In his address at the extraordinary session of the OIC, Iran’s acting foreign minister underscored the importance of defending against Israel’s aggression. 

He criticized the lack of adequate action from the UN Security Council and emphasized that, under such circumstances, Iran has no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defense. "In the absence of appropriate action by the UN Security Council against Israel's aggressions, Iran has no option but to use its inherent right to self-defense in response to these aggressions," Baqeri Kani asserted.

Tensions escalated even further in the region after Ismail Haniyeh was martyred in Tehran on July 31. Iran has held Israel responsible for the killing of Haniyeh and vowed to retaliate against this criminal move.