Iran’s diplomatic ties with Belarus have been notably strong and productive, as highlighted by recent statements from Alireza Sane’i, Iran’s ambassador to Belarus. The embassy in Minsk, established 23 years ago, symbolizes Tehran’s long-standing view of Belarus as a strategic ally in resisting Western pressures. The ambassador emphasized that Iran has not regretted enhancing its partnership with Belarus, particularly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s visit to Iran a year and a half ago, which catalyzed greater economic collaboration. Focused on infrastructure, trade, and logistical cooperation, both nations have signed multiple agreements aimed at furthering joint ventures, showcasing a commitment to mutual development.
Addressing the upcoming presidential election in Belarus scheduled for January 26, 2025, Sane’i expressed concerns about potential Western interference, a trend he believes has been consistent in the region. The ambassador articulated that the West aims to undermine the electoral process by manipulating public opinion and attempting to discredit the legitimacy of the elections. Despite previous attempts to affect voter turnout, he remained optimistic about the resilience of the Belarusian people, stressing that the government’s stability is bolstered by this public support. He anticipates that the West will likely escalate its political pressure and sanctions whether or not they achieve their intended goals.
Sane’i also offered insights into the Western strategy of sanctions, likening it to an addiction that aims to exert pressure on populations rather than strategically foster change. He argued that sanctions often backfire, as they provoke targeted nations to bolster their internal capacities and increase self-reliance. This perspective was illustrated through a historical lens regarding Iran’s development from a lack of basic military supplies in 1979 to becoming a technologically advanced nation capable of producing sophisticated weaponry and conducting space missions despite international restrictions. Thus, sanctions reinforce a sense of unity and resistance within targeted nations.
On the broader geopolitical canvas, Sane’i discussed the recent BRICS summit’s outcomes, indicating a shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order. Countries like Iran, Russia, and China are positioning themselves against the prevailing dominance of the US and its dollar-centric economic practices. The establishment of alternative trade frameworks and the consideration of a BRICS currency signify an important pivot in the global economic order, allowing participating nations to withstand Western sanctions more effectively. The ambassador noted that the growing interest from other nations to join BRICS underscores a shared frustration with the existing system and it’s seen as a supportive collective response to external pressures.
The ongoing turbulence in the Middle East was another point of discussion for Sane’i, who attributed the conflicts to the dual forces of Israeli occupation and Western interference. The ambassador asserted that the Palestinian struggle for self-determination is akin to historical resistances against tyranny, emphasizing that, in the absence of foreign meddling, regional conflicts could primarily resolve through local efforts. He lamented that Western intervention diverts countries from finding their solutions, reinforcing a narrative of victimhood among oppressed populations.
Furthermore, when addressing the situation with Hezbollah, Sane’i affirmed the group’s significant political power and capacity for resilience despite external pressures and attempts at eradication by Israel. Echoing sentiments on the futility of violent suppression of ideologies, he underscored the inherent strength of the resistance mentality that continues to thrive despite challenges faced by its proponents. This suggests that ideological fervor, like that seen in Palestine and Lebanon, cannot be eradicated through violence or oppression, as it often catalyzes further unity and mobilization among supporters.
