Javad Zarif: Main threat to the Middle East is Israel, not Iran

Javad Zarif: Main threat to the Middle East is Israel, not Iran

## Zarif Accuses Israel of Obstructing Middle East Peace, Cites U.S. Support

**TEHRAN** – In a recent statement, former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has asserted that Israel, with the backing of the United States, poses the primary threat to stability and peace prospects in the Middle East. Zarif’s remarks, delivered during a public forum in Tehran, represent a continuation of long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel, and offer a critical perspective on the ongoing complexities of the region.

Zarif argued that Israeli policies and actions have systematically undermined efforts to achieve lasting peace settlements. While he did not specify particular instances, his comments implied a pattern of behavior that, in his view, has consistently thwarted diplomatic initiatives and exacerbated regional conflicts. The former foreign minister emphasized the role of U.S. support, suggesting that this backing emboldens Israel and allows it to pursue policies detrimental to regional stability.

“The consistent and unwavering support from the United States has created an environment where Israel feels empowered to disregard international consensus and pursue its own agenda, often at the expense of regional peace,” Zarif stated, according to attendees at the forum.

The allegations come at a sensitive time, as international efforts to de-escalate tensions across the Middle East continue. The region remains fraught with challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria, the persistent threat of terrorism, and the complexities surrounding the Iranian nuclear program.

Zarif’s comments are likely to further inflame tensions between Iran and Israel, who have long been engaged in a shadow war involving cyberattacks, proxy conflicts, and accusations of sabotage. The two nations hold fundamentally different views on the region’s future, with Iran advocating for a more multipolar order and criticizing what it perceives as Western dominance, while Israel maintains its commitment to its own security and regional influence.

Analysts suggest that Zarif’s statement reflects a broader Iranian narrative that seeks to portray Israel as an obstacle to regional progress. This narrative often resonates with certain segments of the population in the Middle East who view Israeli policies towards Palestinians and its interventions in regional conflicts as unjust and destabilizing.

However, critics of Zarif’s perspective argue that it overlooks Iran’s own role in fueling regional conflicts through its support for proxy groups and its pursuit of a nuclear program. They maintain that Iran’s actions have contributed significantly to the instability and insecurity that plague the Middle East.

The United States has yet to officially respond to Zarif’s accusations. However, Washington has consistently defended its support for Israel, citing its commitment to the country’s security and its belief that Israel is a vital ally in a volatile region.

Ultimately, Zarif’s remarks underscore the deep-seated divisions and competing narratives that continue to shape the Middle East. Whether his accusations will influence regional dynamics or international perceptions remains to be seen. The path towards lasting peace in the region will undoubtedly require addressing the complex interplay of factors that contribute to conflict, including the role of external actors and the underlying grievances that fuel instability. The future stability of the Middle East hinges on the ability of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground, a prospect that currently appears distant.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.