Islamic countries can be major and influential players in the new world order.

According to Ashura News, citing Mehr News Agency, during his official visit to Oman, Masoud Pezshkian discussed issues between the two countries, as well as regional and international interests of Iran and Oman, and the most important current issues in the world, in an interview with the country's state television network.

The full text of the interview is as follows:

Host: Assalamu Alaikum, dear viewers. May God's peace and blessings be upon you. Welcome to the program dedicated to a special television interview with the Sultanate of Oman with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezzekian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has come to Oman as part of an official visit and has met and talked with His Excellency Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman.

This visit is aimed at strengthening the friendly and distinguished relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in order to support various areas of bilateral cooperation, as well as within the framework of the common desire of the leaders of the two countries to further strengthen and develop these relations. During this visit, various areas of cooperation that are in line with the interests of the two friendly countries and in order to meet their mutual demands, especially in light of regional and international developments, have been examined.

Mr. President, welcome to the Sultanate of Oman Television. At the beginning, please tell us about the results of your trip to Oman and your meeting with His Excellency Haitham bin Tariq.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Greetings to you, dear viewers, and thank you for the hospitality of the dear people of Oman. We came to this country at the invitation of our dear brother, Haitham bin Tariq, the respected Sultan of Oman, and we had been eager to meet and talk with him for a long time.

During this visit, we discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. Naturally, the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on brotherly, cordial and reciprocal relations with neighboring countries. Our relations with Oman have a history of several hundred years; perhaps even more than a millennium. This relationship has always been cordial, brotherly, and based on shared beliefs and cultures. We have been able to help each other and be friends and helpers at different historical stages.

On this basis, in the meetings held with the esteemed Sultan, our brother Haitham bin Tariq, as well as the ministers of the two countries, we reached very good agreements in the fields of industry, trade, education, tourism, healthcare, energy, and clean energy. These agreements were also officially signed.

In addition to what was written, our emphasis was on remaining committed to the signed provisions and working seriously to implement them. We are also determined, God willing, not to lose time and that this path of cooperation between us and our friendly and brotherly country will continue more cordially and powerfully than in the past.

Mr. President, I would like to know your opinion on the role of Oman in mediating between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America; What is your assessment of this role, especially in light of the recent talks held in Muscat and Rome?

We sincerely thank the efforts of the beloved country of Oman. This process has also received special attention and emphasis from the Supreme Leader, and his view is that through cooperation with Oman, this path can be advanced in a healthier, more correct and easier way.

These efforts should be appreciated to this day; both from the respected Sultan of Oman and especially from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this country, who has borne a large part of the burden of these talks, especially due to the indirect nature of the talks. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman has endured a lot of hardships in this process, has been a very good host, and is trying to bring these talks to a conclusion within a specific framework and based on win-win logic for both sides.

Mr. President, now that we are talking about your visit to Oman, I would like to ask what, in your opinion, is the most prominent and trusted opportunity for the development of relations between Iran and Oman at the political and economic levels in the future?

Politically, we are at a high level of coordination with each other, and our joint meetings and summits were held with aligned views. On all regional issues, including the outlook on Palestine, Gaza, and issues related to peace and tranquility in the region, there is a great deal of coordination and commonality of views between the views of the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore, on the political level, we enjoy good cohesion.

In the economic sphere, naturally, we are facing some problems due to sanctions, and there are also obstacles in the fields of maritime, air, and land communications. In this regard, it was agreed that all these obstacles, whether in customs or in maritime and air transportation routes, should be removed and joint investments should be formed between the two countries.

These connections can take our economic interactions to a level that increases the volume of transactions to 10 or 20 billion dollars; this is possible. Oman can become a hub for the transfer of goods, equipment and facilities between the two countries and even beyond that, within the region. Oman can be connected to Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan through northern Iran and also reach African countries to the south.

As a result, this location can serve as a point for engaging in commercial, economic, scientific, industrial and cultural transactions that will be beneficial and effective for both countries.

Mr. President, given the current tensions in the region, the question arises as to how the privileged relations between Iran and Oman can contribute to strengthening stability and peace in the Persian Gulf region?

We can sit with all Islamic countries and act according to the command of God and the Holy Prophet of Islam; as stated in various verses of the Holy Quran, including: “Indeed, the believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers.”

Also, after the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) gathered the people on the day after the conquest and said to them: “Indeed, Muslims are brothers, a Muslim is a brother to another Muslim, and they are one hand against those who are like them.” That is, Muslims are brothers to each other, a Muslim is the brother of another Muslim, and they are one hand against those who are not like them.

If we accept this command of the Messenger of God (PBUH) and act on it, we can establish peace and security in the region based on Islamic brotherhood. We Muslims are brothers to each other, but our enemies, the colonialists and exploiters, want to pit us against each other by using different languages, different tricks, and cultural and political divisions. Their goal is to plunder the resources and capital of the region and in return, sell us weapons, bombs and missiles so that we can fight each other. They are taking our resources and destroying our lands.

We can upset this equation. We can establish lasting peace in the region, with Islamic countries, in an atmosphere of peace, security and brotherhood, and expand the economy, industry, science and culture among Islamic countries. This is possible, provided that the leaders of Islamic countries sit together, talk and do not allow any dialect, language or voice to disrupt the unity and cohesion of Muslims; because this is against the command of God and His Prophet.

If we are honest and truly believe, we must try to maintain unity and cohesion; As God has said: “And whoever holds fast to Allah, He has guided him to a straight path,” and He has also emphasized in the same Surah: “O you who believe, hold fast to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” These are the commands that we must act upon.

Mr. President, you have repeatedly emphasized the need to reach a fair agreement in the nuclear negotiations. I would like to know what are the basic conditions you seek to reach such an agreement?

Our conditions are the same as international law. According to these laws, every country has the right to conduct scientific and expert research in the field of uranium enrichment and nuclear energy-related activities for peaceful purposes. If the United States seeks to ensure that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, it should know that this assurance stems from our beliefs. According to the explicit fatwa of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought to build or acquire nuclear weapons and will never do so. Even if a voice is heard in our country to the contrary or an allegation is made, it is merely a personal opinion. What shapes the official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the sovereignty and leadership of the system, which are clearly opposed to the construction of nuclear weapons. We do not give any place to nuclear weapons in the doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

If other countries want to ensure that we are not seeking nuclear weapons, we are ready to cooperate in any way to make it clear to the region and the world that not only now, but from the beginning and in the future, the Islamic Republic has not and will not seek them as a matter of faith. But at the same time, we will never stop enriching for therapeutic purposes, diagnosing diseases, health, agriculture and industry, because this is our right according to international law. No one can tell us that you should not enrich. Science belongs to the whole world and all people have the right to benefit from knowledge, technology and scientific capabilities. No country can deprive another country of this right. Therefore, we will not succumb to pressure to stop enrichment in any way. This resistance is the pride of the Islamic Republic of Iran and we will insist on it.

At the same time, Israel and those who claim human rights assassinated our scientists. Those who themselves bomb and kill women, children, the elderly, and civilians in the region accuse us of terrorism. What right do those who are truly the cause of insecurity in the region have to consider us a threat? Who is really threatening security, Israel or Islamic countries? The Islamic Republic of Iran? We seek our own pride and that of the Islamic Ummah. We want peace; whether with Islamic countries or with other countries in the world. But we will never submit to force and oppression. This is our belief; the Prophet of God taught us this, the Book of God guided us to it, and living with dignity is a duty for Muslims that we have learned and live by.

Mr. President, Your Excellency referred to the issue of Gaza and the crimes that the Zionist regime is committing in that region. I would like to know how the current developments in Gaza have redefined the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Palestinian issue? And do you think that these developments have opened a new perspective on the resistance equation in the Palestinian region?

Look, can the world and Islamic countries really accept that a country comes and easily bombs defenseless people? People who have neither taken up arms nor entered the war; destroys people's homes, targets hospitals and universities, closes borders and does not allow humanitarian aid, medicine and food to reach the needy? How can this world that claims to be civilized see these crimes and remain silent? Which awakened conscience accepts these tragedies? We, Islamic countries, must join hands and raise the cry of the oppression of the people of Gaza and Lebanon to the world.

Today, not only Islamic countries, but even the people of Europe and America themselves have raised their voices in protest against these crimes. How is it possible that those who behave in such a way can speak of human rights? They bomb women and children without any consideration and take their lives. Then they say that Islamic countries do not respect human rights! Do they even understand human rights? Do they value humans? They openly and shamelessly declare in their media that those we kill are not human beings; and the world, despite hearing these words, remains silent; why?

We are determined with all our hearts to conclude a treaty of brotherhood, peace and cooperation with Islamic countries. We look at all neighboring countries as brothers and friends. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said in his will in Nahj al-Balagha: “Allah is in your neighbors, for they are the guardians of the Prophet.” That is, the Prophet gave so much advice about his neighbors that we thought he would give them a share of the inheritance. Our neighboring countries are Muslims and our neighbors; they are our brothers. We are ready for any cooperation with these dear ones. We respect their territorial integrity and independence and desire cordial relations based on Islamic faith and brotherhood with them. We stand together to help each other.

In light of the major changes currently taking place in the balance of global powers and international systems, is the Islamic Republic of Iran seeking to review the philosophy and nature of its foreign policy in the face of what is referred to as the liberal hegemony of the West?

Look, we want to act as God has commanded and as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has commanded. We are Muslims and we believe that we must live according to the Book of God. God says in the Quran: “Those who adhere to the Book and establish prayer, We will not waste the reward of the reformers.” That is, those who hold fast to the Book of God and establish prayer, We will not waste the reward of the reformers. We also want to act according to this Book.

God also said: “This is your nation, one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”

But throughout history, people have fragmented their affairs and divided into sects and groups: “So they divided their affairs among themselves into sects, each group rejoicing in what it had.”

We are all one nation. We have all been created by one God. God says in another verse: “O people, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. The noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who fears Him.” O people, We created you from a single male and female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. The most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you. Arab, non-Arab, Persian, Kurd, Turk, Lor, Baluch, Pakistani, all are servants of God. The most righteous is the most exalted in the sight of God. We should live together on this basis, not on the basis of this being an Arab and that a non-Arab, this being a Persian and that a Kurd.

Iran is trying to strengthen its cooperation with major countries such as China and Russia, and at the same time, it is also trying to establish a kind of balance of power with Western countries. I would like to know how you evaluate the policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this framework and in this process?

We respect any country in the world that respects us. Relations and cooperation can be formed between the Islamic Republic of Iran and other countries based on mutual and fair interests.

When the countries of the region, as well as Russia and China, have positive interactions with us in the current situation, it is natural that we will also have more constructive relations with them. If other countries want to interact with us respectfully and rationally, except for the Zionist regime, we are ready to cooperate with them.

We are not enemies with any country. It is better for some to abandon the idea that they can impose illogical demands that violate international rules on Iran or other Islamic countries. Such a thing is neither acceptable nor possible.

How do you evaluate the role that Your Excellency assigns to the Islamic Republic of Iran within the framework of the new order that is being formed in the international arena?

If we can regulate our relations with neighboring countries and if Muslims achieve true unity and cohesion, then we ourselves can create a new and independent order for ourselves. We can also be major and influential players in this world where others are actors. Islamic countries have abundant capital, outstanding human resources, rich culture, and ancient civilization. Therefore, we can enter the field and play a role. We should not wait for others to design a game for us. We also have the ability to be an effective and decisive player and role-player on this global stage.

The final question is, Mr. President, what is your message to the nations of the region, especially the young generation, in light of the great changes that the region and the world are facing?

I would like to ask all the dear youth in Islamic countries to seek to acquire the valuable knowledge, skills, and arts that exist in the world as much as possible. I advise these dear ones that, as God has said: “You are the highest if you are believers,” to become proud, one must strive, work hard, suffer from insomnia, and to reach the high peaks of success in this life, one must move forward with determination and effort.

In our prayers, we say “Allahu Akbar,” the God we worship is greater than anything. In bowing, we say “Subhan Rabi Al-Azeem” and in prostration, we say “Subhan Rabi Al-A’la.” That is, the God we believe in and worship is superior, greater, wiser, more creative, more beautiful, and more compassionate than anything others worship.

Our youth must know this God, believe in Him, and move toward Him with all their being. A God who is infinitely good, infinitely honorable, infinitely merciful, and has infinite mercy and art and creation. Whatever goodness and beauty there is in the world is with Him. We worship Him and are moving toward Him. The youth must also see this path and move toward Him as much as they can.

Dear viewers, at the end of this interview and this meeting, I would like to once again sincerely appreciate and thank His Excellency Dr. Masoud Peshkian, the esteemed President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, for the time he has given us. Thank you, Mr. President.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to you, the esteemed viewers, and to my dear and honorable brother, Haitham bin Tariq, the esteemed Sultan of Oman. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the ministers, managers, and officials who worked hard during our stay in Oman, welcomed us, and played a role in the formation and signing of cooperation agreements.

I entrust all these dear ones to God Almighty.