Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized on Wednesday that efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Arab countries will not resolve the Middle East crisis.
Khamenei dismissed the notion that forcing neighboring countries to normalize relations with Israel would solve the underlying issues. His remarks came in response to reports that the U.S. is prepared to offer a security package to Saudi Arabia in exchange for normalizing ties with Israel.
While Saudi Arabia had been in talks for normalization before the Gaza crisis, discussions were halted due to the conflict. The escalation of regional tensions since the beginning of Israeli aggression has involved Iran-backed groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.
Iran supports Hamas but denies direct involvement in the group’s attacks on Israel. Iran has consistently refused to recognize Israel and has prioritized support for the Palestinian cause since the Islamic revolution in 1979.
Khamenei reiterated Iran’s stance that Palestine should be returned to the Palestinians, allowing them to establish their own regime and determine their approach toward Israel.