Envoy: Israel and Iran can jointly build unimaginable Middle East

Israel’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek, has provided insights into the shifting geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, emphasizing the growing role of Iran and its influence on regional stability.

"While we were building bridges with Arab countries, Iran was trying to build a fiery ring around Israel," Deek said in an interview with AnewZ TV channel, referring to Iran's increasingly aggressive posture in the region, per Caliber.Az.

The ambassador underscored the profound impact of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead, many of whom suffered horrific fates, including rape and being burned alive. Over 200 individuals were taken hostage, with two children still being held in Gaza.

Moreover, Deek pointed out that Iran, through its proxy forces, sought to create a dire situation for Israel.

"After October 7, the fiery ring led by Iran hoped to create a situation where it would be impossible for Israelis to live, that they would pack their things and leave, leading to the destruction of Israel. Just listen to what they are saying. This is their goal," he said.

The diplomat highlighted the strategic shift in Israel’s operations since the attacks, focusing on combat operations aimed at rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military threat. "Since October 7, we have been engaged in combat to return the hostages, end the military threat from Hamas, and ensure that Hamas will never again threaten Israel."

However, the situation escalated further as Hezbollah, Iran's ally in Lebanon, joined the conflict, launching rockets at Israel.

"We found ourselves fighting a two-front war, and soon it became clear that we were fighting on seven fronts: Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran, which is the head of an octopus stretching its tentacles throughout the region to surround us," Deek added.

Despite the ongoing challenges, the ambassador expressed cautious optimism about the future of the Middle East. He argued that the region is evolving beyond the Iranian threat, paving the way for greater stability and peace.

"I think that now the Middle East is no longer living in the shadow of the Iranian threat, it can hope for a better future. This is cautious optimism," Deek noted.

The ambassador also acknowledged the growing risks posed by jihadist groups in Syria, such as Al-Qaeda-linked militants, Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS, but stressed that Iran remains the most significant threat. 

"However, the greatest threat is Iran, with whom we are fighting," he affirmed. "We see that the Middle East is changing before our eyes: Israel is winning, while Iran and all its proxies are losing."

Deek continued on a hopeful note, emphasizing the role of Israel’s allies in the region. "With the help of our neighbours and friends in the region, we believe that in the future stability and peace await us."

Furthermore, the ambassador highlighted the potential for a more positive relationship between Israel and Iran, despite the ongoing tensions between their governments: "The Iranian people are not the enemy. This is perhaps one of the friendliest nations towards Israel."

"Last week, a guy approached a monument in Tehran and took a photo holding an Israeli flag, risking his life. This is not a nation that seeks war with Israel. The problem is that they live under a regime that oppresses women and has set the goal of exporting revolution, killing, and destroying. I believe that the day this regime falls and disappears from our world, which I believe can happen, we will see how Iran will join the world we will be happy to create," he underlined.

Deek also underscored the potential benefits Israel could bring to Iran if the political landscape were to change.

"Think about how much Israel can do for Iran: water, agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship—these are the best things we can bring to Iran to help the people there. They can live in a better country, they can build a future for themselves and their children, and together we can build a Middle East that we could only dream of. Just look at our partnership with Azerbaijan, and you’ll see how much can be done for Iran," the ambassador concluded.

By Khagan Isayev