Negotiations, not more weapons, will end ongoing war in Ukraine

A view of buildings of local resort destroyed following recent Russian missile attacks in Odesa region, Ukraine, on Aug. 18, 2022. [AP Photo, File]

The transparent and inflexible position of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been founded, since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, on principles such as opposition to war, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, unity, self-restraint and encouragement of both warring parties to use peaceful means for the settlement of differences in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations as well as respect to the international humanitarian law such as protecting civilian lives and infrastructure.

Iran has always made efforts to treat global security and stability in a constructive manner and present solutions of their protection. Such a policy is structured on the precious experience of Iran in promoting regional and global peace and stability as it has itself been a victim of an eight-year calamitous imposed war during which Western sides provided significant help and assistance to the invader.

It is indeed horrible to witness the pain and hardship of the war-stricken people and for this reason, we hope this war could end sooner than later. Iran is persistent in adhering to this principled policy, despite unconstructive positions and allegations raised by Ukrainian leaders who are enraptured and influenced by the media and political campaigns orchestrated by some other countries against Tehran.

As reiterated by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on the first day of the Iranian new year last March, "We categorically and overtly reject presence in the Ukraine war and this [allegation] is never ever true." None of the accusations against Iran has ever been proven or substantiated. We have called upon Ukrainian authorities to present evidence or indications to demonstrate accusations. However, unsubstantiated repeated allegations against Iran concerning the Ukraine war appear to be originating from Iranophobic projects initiated for political exploitation from the present crisis and chaos.

This is while Iran has declared its readiness, on numerous occasions, to hold the second round of talks between the military authorities of Iran and Ukraine. We are still waiting to receive any evidence of the alleged use of Iranian drones in Ukraine as falsely claimed by Ukraine and some Western countries.

We believe that the roots and causes of the Ukraine crisis should be explored from various aspects and dimensions. Definitely, the US and Europe have not registered a clear record in this. The unreasonable and disastrous positions with an emphasis on the expansion of NATO to the East, regardless of the security concerns and considerations of other countries, played a significant role in the beginning of the Ukraine crisis. We do not consider isolation and embargo on countries in the 21st century as being a right solution; instead, we believe in partnership and engagement within a win-win framework especially concerning important security issues.

The West, on the one hand, emphasises the peaceful resolution of Ukraine crisis. On the other hand, they continue and even step up sending arms and weapons to Ukraine and instigate and provoke more conflict, which is in contravention of the principles outlined by the West for the peaceful settlement of the crisis. They are accusing Iran of sending drones to Russia in the recent war while they themselves have spent in excess of 70 billion dollars in arms for use in war.

It is already clear that the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine will bring nothing more than the continuation of hostility, further damage and destruction of the infrastructure of the two warring parties. It is not fair when arms industries and manufacturers reap huge profits at the cost of the destruction of the people of Ukraine and Russia.

We invite the Western countries to come up with a solution for the peaceful settlement of this crisis instead of beating the drums of proxy war. Once again, we emphasise that the West must stop the escalation and illegitimate interference in the affairs of their regions; they must try to resolve the problems and hurdles related to Europe. It is surprising that all the power of the West has been pinned on the continuation of war and hostility! More surprising is that peace proposals by third parties face opposition by the Western countries.

We are still interested in continuing friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine. It is evident that close political links between Iran and Russia does not mean confrontation with Ukraine. The either-with-us-or-against-us polarisation is an imprudent and incorrect approach. The false sanctions approach taken by the Western parties despite their apparently-liberal objectives, against independent countries has expedited the process of multipolarisation of the world and weakened free global trade.

The more this approach is pursued, the more international mechanisms will incur damage and lose their legitimacy. We believe that the continuation of war in the region would only profit Western gun manufacturers and arms cartels and trusts that are seeking to test their weapons in the field in the region. And on this track, all the countries of the region will be negatively affected.

European countries must change their warmongering and adopt a universal view to secure the interests of the global nations in line with sustainable peace and security.

Parties are advised to utilise the capacity of peace plans and initiatives presented to call a ceasefire or at least de-escalate the current situation.

Wars cannot go on forever and the destiny of all wars is ultimately set over the negotiating table. Therefore, the sooner the parties return to the negotiating table, the more lives will be saved and less damage incurred.

Iran, in line with its balanced foreign policy, is ready to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

The writer, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, is the Iran Minister of Foreign Affairs.