Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, has cleared many misunderstandings prevailing among Pakistani influencers, intellectuals, think tanks and opinion makers regarding Iran’s policies, the Iranian state, and particularly on sectarian issues and unity among Muslim countries, including the Middle East.
The Ambassador clarified that Iran is not promoting Shiaism in other countries, and cited Iran’s support for Sunni groups in the region as proof. He gave examples of Hamas and Jihad-e-Islami, and mentioned the Houthis of Yemen, adding that the Houthis are Sunni Muslims.
This is a very rare point on which Iranian officials are questioned and respond in such a clear manner. He actually admitted that Iran is supporting the Houthis, even as the militia is targeting Saudi Arabia – not only military targets but also civilian sites, including Riyadh airport, petroleum pipelines and others.
Saudi Arabia has alleged that the Houthis have fired missiles towards the two Holy Mosques as well.
The remarks were made at a seminar organized by Senator Mushahid Hussain at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on the theme “Tehran Muslim Unity Conference: Impact and Significance,” held in the backdrop of the Tehran Four meeting initiated by Field Marshal Asim Munir and attended by representatives from Saudi Arabia and Turkiye along with the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
Ambassador Moghaddam was the keynote speaker at this important discussion.The Houthi issue has engulfed the Middle East in further chaos after the escalation between the US and Iran was controlled, thanks to the shuttle diplomacy of Pakistan led by Field Marshal Asim Munir. The issue is not only about security and stability but also about an acute shortage of energy resources that has severe impacts on the economies of the whole region and beyond.
The Ambassador took very tough questions quite patiently and replied to the satisfaction of the participants.
In response to a question about differences between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the political leadership (government) of Iran, the Ambassador dispelled the impression of any rift.
He said both are on the same page under the guidance of the Supreme Leader. The IRGC plays an important role and can give its feedback. Differences of opinion may exist, but both seek guidance from the Supreme Leader and act according to his directions.
Another participant questioned the Ambassador about India, which has close relations with both Israel and Iran, and about an extremist Hindu-Jewish alliance against Muslims.
It is worth mentioning here that the Commander of the IRGC, Mohsen Rezaei, in a recent interview to Iranian TV, quoted the Pakistani Field Marshal as saying that India and Israel are united against Muslim states, including Pakistan.
The Ambassador, however, put the onus on Arab countries for indirectly strengthening this alliance and did not come clear on the alliance itself, despite it being revealed by his own security chief referring to the Pakistani Field Marshal.
In Pakistan, Mohsen Rezaei’s sharing of a confidential talk at the highest level on public media drew criticism that he should not have done so.
Dr. Moghaddam replied that Arab countries have economic cooperation with India and Israel and are indirectly strengthening this alliance by providing them economic support.
He added that unity of the Muslim world and collaboration among Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye can prevent the India-Israel alliance from causing any harm to Muslim states.
He said Iran and Arab states are in touch on regional affairs and mentioned that the speech of the Foreign Minister of Oman in the UK in this regard can be seen as reflective of Iran’s policy.
To a question on the prospects of Iran joining the Mecca Pact, the Ambassador explained that soon after the signing of the pact, the President of Iran welcomed it and called for a joint security structure in the region by regional countries.
He said the parties, including Iran, can work further on the matter of Iran’s inclusion in the Mecca Pact. “Iran is a torchbearer of Muslim unity and we see this pact positively,” he said.
Earlier, in 2023, China mediated to reconcile Iran and Saudia. Both states took some steps of restoration of relations and normalization by opening the embassies but the state of affairs now is self explanatory. Chinese mediation could not work for long. Lets see the reconcilation is renewed by Pakistani mediation ? and how long it exists? when Houthis are not ready to spare Saudi Arabia. Let alone the Iranian joining of Mecca Pact.
