FACT CHECK: Lavrov's Claims About Iran Foreign Policy Inaccurate
The Russian Foreign Minister Made 'Misleading' Comments About Iran Foreign Policy
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October 26, 2023
In a recent press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Iran for its responsible Gulf and Middle East policy, emphasizing their efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this claim is far from accurate, Voice of America, a US federal government linked news agency, analyzed.
Iran has reportedly been a primary source of reports for the terror organization, which met with leaders in Moscow on October 26 to discuss the release of hostages in Gaza, Reuters reported.
Lavrov specifically mentioned Iran's stance on the Gaza crisis, expressing concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict into a regional war. According to Lavrov, Iran has taken a responsible and balanced approach, urging for the prevention of the conflict from spreading to neighboring states. But the truth is, Iran's support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, is the main source of instability in the region.
On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, which was celebrated by the Iranian regime. Reports have even suggested that Iran aided Hamas in planning the attack. The consequences of this attack have been dire, causing a humanitarian crisis that the United Nations warned could have catastrophic consequences for the region. It is evident that Iran's actions have only fueled the tensions and escalated the conflict.
Furthermore, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in Qatar on October 14, where they discussed the attack on Israel and agreed to continue their cooperation. Iran's foreign minister even referred to the attack as a "historic victory." These interactions highlight Iran's unwavering support for Hamas and their shared objectives.
In contrast to Lavrov's claims, the international community, including the United States, Israel, Egypt, the European Union, Japan, and others, has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. This designation speaks volumes about the true nature of Hamas and the repercussions of Iran's support for such a group.
It is crucial to acknowledge that while there is no direct evidence linking Iran to the attack on Israel, their long-standing support for Hamas cannot be ignored. Iran's actions have not only destabilized the region but have also posed a significant threat to peace and security.
Lavrov's assertion that Iran has a responsible Gulf and Middle East policy is misleading. The reality is that Iran's support for Hamas has fueled tensions and escalated the conflict in the region. The international community needs to recognize and address the true source of instability to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.