Iran Signals Hard Stance as ‘Extremist’ US Remarks Draw Condemnation

Cairo- Iran on Saturday vowed to uphold national unity and announced the designation of the naval and air forces of European Union (EU) member states as terrorist organisations, as controversial remarks by a US envoy triggered widespread condemnation across Arab countries.

Speaking at a meeting in Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resilience and unity, stressing that Iran would not yield to external pressure while navigating nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to Xinhua news agency.

“We will make efforts and will not bow before any of the difficulties we are faced with,” Pezeshkian said in remarks broadcast live by state-run IRIB TV.

Acknowledging existing challenges, he urged Iranians to “put aside the differences” and remain united in the face of mounting external pressures.

The remarks come amid a recent US military buildup in the Middle East and two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme and the potential lifting of US sanctions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country had designated the navies and air forces of all European Union member states as terrorist entities. The move was described as a response to the EU’s recent “unlawful and unjustified” decision to label Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a terrorist organisation.

The EU’s decision, the ministry said, contradicts the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Tensions were further inflamed by remarks from Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, who said in a Friday interview that Israel has a “biblical right” to claim control over the entire Middle East, or at least most of the region.

The comments drew sharp condemnation across Arab countries. The Arab League described the remarks as “highly extremist.”

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit said Huckabee’s comments were illogical, irrational, and inconsistent with established diplomatic norms, warning that they would only inflame religious and national sentiments at a time when efforts are underway to implement the Gaza ceasefire and pursue a serious political process toward peace.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry expressed “astonishment” over the remarks, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Saudi Arabia also strongly criticised the statements. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud termed the rhetoric “extremist,” warning that it could have grave consequences by antagonising regional countries and peoples and undermining international peace and security.

With inputs from IANS