TEHRAN- Tehran backs South Africa’s “smart and historic” decision to bring a lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for crimes against the Palestinians in the beleaguered Gaza Strip, according to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Raisi made the remarks at a meeting with Francis Molloy, South Africa’s new ambassador to Tehran, who submitted his credentials to the Iranian president.

“South Africa’s move in complaining about the crimes of the Zionist regime (Israel) is a historic, lasting and commendable action and the Islamic Republic of Iran supports this smart and wise action,” Raisi said.

Additionally, Raisi praised the “very good and advancing” relations between the two nations, saying that nothing can stop the development of such connections.

For his part, the ambassador from South Africa pledged to work toward improving relations in order to further the interests of both countries.

In its application submitted on December 29, Pretoria accused Israel of committing genocide in contravention of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, which both South Africa and Israel are party to.

The ICJ held two days of public hearings in the genocide case against Israel in January. The case sets a precedent as the first at the ICJ relating to the siege on the Gaza Strip, where more than 25,100 people have been killed since October 7, nearly 10,000 of them children.

Nicaragua takes humanitarian stand against Israeli misdeeds

During a Sunday meeting with Nicaragua’s incoming ambassador to Tehran, Ramón Alberto Moncada Colindres, Raisi stated that Nicaragua takes a humanitarian and justice-seeking stand on global issues, including Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people.

“If other countries have had such a position, the Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters would not have dared to commit such crimes against the oppressed but strong Palestinian people.”

Raisi emphasized the significance of following up on the full implementation of the two nations’ accords during his June 2023 visit to Managua.

Nicaragua’s envoy, for his part, pointed out that Tehran and Managua are working to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas.

“Improved connections with Japan cannot be hampered by cruel sanctions”

During a Sunday meeting with Toskada Tamaki, Japan’s new ambassador to Iran, Raisi said that Tehran intends to advance ties with Tokyo in a number of areas.

“Oppressive sanctions against the Islamic Republic should not and cannot create an obstacle in the path of the development of mutual relations as they have so far failed to bring any achievement for the United States,” he added. 

According to him, the United States is involved in every global war. “From the use of the atomic bomb against the Japanese people to today’s crimes against the people of Gaza, the U.S. plays a key role.”

The Iranian president received the Japanese ambassador’s credentials, who stated that close and profound ties exist between the two nations.

For his part, the incoming Japanese envoy extended cordial congratulations from his country’s emperor and prime minister, praising the close connections between the two Asian countries.

Tamaki Tsukada noted that Japan appreciates the Iranian government’s attempts to improve regional relations, and that he is responsible for promoting collaboration with Iran.

Iran committed to improving ties with Europe

In a meeting with Belgium’s Ambassador to Tehran, Michel Malherbe, the president made it clear that Iran has no boundaries to improving ties with countries based on mutual trust and respect.

Raisi asserted that the United States’ credibility and reputation in the world had suffered as a result of its unwavering support for Israel.

Raisi pushed European countries to pursue their own interests and ties, independent of the United States.

U.S., Israel, certain European states root cause of terrorism

In a meeting with Burkina Faso’s new Ambassador to Tehran, Mohammadi Kaboureh, the Iranian president stressed that the United States, Israel, and certain European countries that pretend to combat terrorism are the core causes of terror and the primary funders of terrorist groups.

Raisi further stated that Iran is eager to expand collaboration with African countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

“Collaboration, unity among Muslim nations could end Israeli misdeeds”

During a meeting with Nijaz Cardaklija, the new ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Tehran, the Iranian president emphasized the need of cooperation and cohesiveness among Muslim countries in addressing Israel’s crimes.

Raisi cited arrogant countries’ hatred toward the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, asserting that if there had been no meddling against Muslims, including Palestinians, Muslims would have been allowed to live in peace.

Cardaklija expressed his country’s desire for improved relations and collaboration with Iran.