The actions of the government of Iran – as a regional power in Western Asia – are considered key regarding the possibility of further expansion of the war in Gaza, given the influence it exerts on states in the region and on groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
In an interview with Phileleftheros and in-cyprus, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nicosia, Alireza Salarian stresses that his country is working to reduce tensions to avoid the evolution of the war into a wider regional conflict.
At the same time, he mentions that Cyprus’ support to Israel did not affect the bilateral relations between Nicosia and Tehran, while he comments on the influx of Iranian capital into the occupied north, as well as on the increase in Iranian nationals living there.
Interview by Xenia Tourki and Stelios Marathovouniotis.
In what areas is there bilateral cooperation between Iran and Cyprus, and how do you see this relationship developing in the future?
The relationship between Iran and Cyprus is deeply rooted and have traditionally enjoyed sound bilateral relations without any tension. These two countries share numerous commonalities across various fields. This has led to extensive and diverse cooperation on political, economic, and cultural grounds. Besides the strong political ties, both sides have significant potential for collaboration in economic, scientific and cultural fields.
While there have been positive developments in areas such as tourism and academic partnerships in the past, I believe these represent only a small part of the available potential in their relationship. Sectors like energy, agriculture, industry, knowledge-based initiatives, nanotechnology, and others are among those opportunities that could be explored between Tehran and Nicosia. Considering the geographical proximity of the two countries, maritime transportation and trade also present promising potential for collaboration between Tehran and Nicosia.
How do Turkey and Iran cooperate on regional security issues, especially considering their shared border and common regional challenges?
Iran and the Republic of Turkey benefit from cooperation in all areas, including trade and cultural interaction. In addition to the factors of geographical proximity and long borders, the strategic positions of the two countries also play a significant role in expanding security cooperation between Tehran and Ankara. Despite numerous challenges and complexities in this field, Iran and Turkey have managed, through their collaboration, to combat terrorist activities and anti-security measures, preventing the spread of insecurity.
How does Iran balance its relations with Cyprus and Turkey?
On the Cyprus problem, Iran supports the idea of resolving this issue through dialogue and peaceful settlement, by the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The efforts and initiatives undertaken by President Christodoulidess, along with other positive developments in the relations between Turkey and Greece, have given rise to the expectation of resolving the Cyprus Problem.
Based on these, we share the hope that the Cyprus problem could be resolved leading to the establishment of friendly relations between the two countries. On the other hand, Iran’s relations with other countries are independent, and our efforts are aimed at strengthening our relations with all parties to play a role in resolving disputes.
According to data released by the administration in the occupied north, Iranians are among the biggest investors in land there. How do you view this considering that is occupied property?
There is a significant percentage of Iranians in the northern part of Cyprus, including students and businessmen. In this context, several points need clarification:
Firstly, a considerable number of Iranian nationals may lack awareness of the realities in Cyprus, especially concerning the situation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
Secondly, the attraction for Iranian students and businessmen towards pursuing education or investing in financial opportunities in the northern part of Cyprus is influenced by factors such as visa-free entry, lower living expenses, and more affordable tuition fees. While the Embassy has provided necessary advice and alert on the situation in the northern part of Cyprus, many individuals might not be fully informed.
It’s essential to note that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not directly involved in processes encouraging students to study or businessmen to seek opportunities there. This decision is a matter of personal choice, and private sectors provide relevant services for those interested in doing business or studying there.
Furthermore, there are no legal restrictions imposed by the Iranian government on individuals willing to engage in financial activities or study abroad.
How do you respond to the allegations that your country is behind the training and equipping of Hamas for the attack on October 7?
I should point out that there is no need to react to baseless accusations that often tend to appear in the news.
Iran’s stance on supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is unequivocal and based on principles. It is a humanitarian and moral standpoint that aligns with international law and the United Nations Charter. The right to self-determination and the protection of the fundamental rights of people under occupation are fundamental principles of international law, explicitly acknowledged in the United Nations Charter, and serve as established pillars of contemporary international law and relations.
The right to self-defence and the pursuit of self-determination go hand in hand. The Palestinian people’s resistance against occupation, the continuous violation of their human rights, and the disrespect of Muslim holy sites by the occupying regime can be seen as their ‘legitimate and lawful defence’ against oppression and aggression. The Palestinian nation unjustly denied the basic right to determine its destiny and subjected to ongoing attacks and human rights violations, unquestionably has the right to defend itself and resist occupation and aggression.
What outcome does Iran want in the Gaza war?
The situation in occupied Palestine today is a clear example of regional and global insecurity and also involves war crimes. The problem in Palestine, which has lasted for seven decades, includes the occupation of land that belongs to an ancient people, the displacement of most of its original residents, and the oppression and humiliation of those still living in Gaza and the West Bank.
This issue is not just about Palestinians and Israelis, or Arabs and Israelis, or even Muslims and Israelis. It’s a matter that concerns all of humanity and the entire international community. Therefore, every country and every person has a responsibility to end this inhumane and shameful situation.
The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the termination of the present organised occupation of the historical territory of the Palestinian people, the return of Palestinian refugees and the exercise of their right to self-determination are the only principled solution to the Palestinian issue.
In this respect, the plan proposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran which is based on the return of refugees and holding a referendum with the participation of genuine Palestinians, including Muslims, Christians and Jews based on democratic principles and international law has been officially registered in the United Nations. This plan is an appropriate substitute for the previous failed plans and aims to resolve the question of Palestine through international law based on the exercise of the right to self-determination and the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland.
Since the beginning of the war, the government of Cyprus has lent its support to Israel. How has this affected Iran–Cyprus relations?
What is happening these days in Gaza is rooted in 70 years of occupation, an issue that the Cypriot people understand well. Recent developments in Gaza, although causing the loss of thousands of innocent civilian lives, have taken international attention for the Palestinian cause. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations involving millions of people across the world, especially in the US and EU countries, serve as a clear sign of this heightened awareness. It proves that the only resolution to this problem, and the end of conflicts and insecurities in the region, is the recognition of the self-determination right of the Palestinian people and the cessation of occupation. For many years, the Zionist regime has employed all means to block the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, it cannot succeed in these attempts.
it is crucial to stress the responsibility of the international community to restrain that regime and end its criminal actions, which include barbaric violations against the Palestinians and significant demographic alterations in occupied Palestine and the surrounding region. The decisions of the Resistance will be based on the actions of the other party.
Undoubtedly, the current difficult period for the oppressed Palestinian nation will eventually come to an end. The actions and reactions of individual states and international organisations regarding this crisis and their positions in the face of this unequal struggle between the oppressed and the oppressor will be recorded in history. Let’s share the hope that we can make just and clear decisions to support humanity and the oppressed people, and stand against oppression and aggression so that future generations can proudly acknowledge that their predecessors were on the right side of history.
Do you see the violence spilling over to Lebanon on a large scale? In this case, how will Iran react, taking into account the close ties it maintains with Hezbollah?
From the beginning of this crisis, Iran’s foreign policy has focused on reducing tensions and preventing the spread of the crisis to the wider region. Our government has utilised all its capacities to maintain this position. Since countries and other groups like Hezbollah, are independent in making decisions and stating their positions in response to regional and international issues, the potential escalation of the recent crisis into Lebanon or remaining confined to Gaza is directly related to their positions and policies. On different occasions, we have emphasised that, despite our close relationship with Hezbollah, Hezbollah is entirely independent in decision-making and stating its positions.
How does Iran view the current geopolitical world order? Would you prefer to see China assuming the role of global hegemon instead of the US?
Recent developments in the international community, especially in the last decade reveal the fact that the polarisation order has expired and the era of monopolar or bipolar system does not work anymore. This evolution not only is caused by the emergence of China but also because of the presence of different players on the surface. A great example of this could be the recent war in Ukraine led to profound changes in the international community which in many cases brought about unreversible changes.
Given the fact that during the bipolar era, the countries could survive by attaching themselves to either of the major Western or Eastern poles and lacking political legitimacy, the Islamic Republic of Iran is against any form of polarity and domination by one or more nations over the destiny of countries.
What will it take to improve Iran’s relations with the US?
The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States have been tense since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and this situation is due to the imperialistic policies of the United States. Over the past four decades, U.S. governments have either been unwilling or unable to accept the fact that Iran, after the fall of the previous regime, is an independent country and not a representative or executor of the policies of any other country in the region. While at times, the governments in power in the United States have attempted to improve their relations with Iran without any preconditions and by setting aside past policies, tangible results have ultimately not been achieved. An example of this is the unilateral withdrawal of the President Trump administration from the JCPOA agreement, which was formulated during the Obama administration with the participation of other countries (5+1).
At what stage are the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia?
In my point of view, the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia are currently in favourable conditions, and it is expected that these relations will gradually expand into various political, economic, and cultural fields. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two important and influential countries in the region as well as the Islamic world, so their relations cannot remain tense for an extended period. The leadership of the two countries recognizing the importance of this fact, always take steps towards the improvement of mutual relations. What we witness today in the relations between Tehran and Riyadh reflects the capabilities of both sides in resolving disputes and the political will to have positive relations in all fields.
