Tehran – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut has firmly dismissed the so-called “two-state solutions” as a viable path to Palestinian peace, arguing that the proposal from decades ago does not only exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians.
His comments came amidst a high-level discussion held in the Vatican City with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the mayor of Vatican Mayor, and Bishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican Foreign Minister.
Aragut took the opportunity to officially visit Rome to participate in the fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, and outline Tehran’s position on the Palestinian crisis. He denounced the two state framework as “unachievable promises” that failed to bring justice and sovereignty to the Palestinians, and instead only encouraged further violations of their rights.
“For many years, this so-called solution only covers the continued oppression of the Palestinians, while the Israeli regime continues to promote colonial times to completely erase Palestine,” Aragut said.
In contrast, the Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized an alternative proposal for the Islamic Republic. One is rooted in a single democracy across all historic Palestine. The plan, he said, envisions a referendum that all former residents of the land, including Muslims, Jews and Christians, can freely participate in determining their country’s future. Araguchi noted that the proposal was based on a vision raised by the leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
Touching the dire humanitarian situation in Palestinian territory, Araguchi provided a rigorous assessment of the Gaza Strip, particularly. This has endured months of intense Israeli military assault and near-lockdown since October 2023.
“The international community has a legal and moral obligation to act. Every government and individual of conscience must condemn the crimes committed in Gaza and take immediate action to stop this catastrophe,” he urged, highlighting the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to enclaves on the besieged coast.
In a meeting with Vatican officials, Aragut has also worked on Iran’s nuclear policy, reiterating that the Islamic Republic continues to commit to the peaceful use of nuclear technology. He emphasized Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for civil and developmental purposes under Iran’s international law, and described the Vatican on Tehran’s stance in ongoing diplomatic engagements.
The discussion further explored the pathways to expand bilateral relations between Iran and the Vatican. Both sides expressed mutual interest in strengthening dialogue between pagans and promoting peaceful coexistence among followers of various religions. Araghchi emphasized the importance of such dialogue in promoting global understanding and harmony.
The conference congratulated Pope Francis’s death and congratulated Pope Leo XIV’s election, marking a moment of stern reflection, and sharing goodwill in a discussion of deeply consequential international issues.