Though a strong Russian ally, Iran has an important piece of advice for Ukraine as it called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to gamble with his country's resources. Iran government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani advised Zelenskyy that security was an indigenous issue, and something that cannot be purchased.
Tehran's words of wisdom come as Zelenskyy sent US President Donald Trump an important letter which said "his team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts". In the letter, Ukraine also offered to sign a rare mineral deal with the US to ensure security in return.
Addressing a press conference, Mohajerani said that security cannot be purchased. "Security should be created in the heart of the people, she noted. Do not gamble a country's assets with a president and be careful not to lose your country's assets in this gambling," she advised the Ukrainian president.
Though a staunch ally of Russia and even supplying weapons for the Kremlin to attack Ukraine, Iran had lavished unusual praise on Zelenskyy "for standing up to Trump". In an editorial published in the state media, Iran said "Zelenskyy's victorious confrontation with Trump showed that one can negotiate with the devil and prevail."
"Some believe negotiation with America is futile. But Zelenskyy demonstrated that with courage and clarity, one can not only resist pressure but emerge triumphant," it added.
Iran also praised Zelenskyy for removing the mask from Trump's face adding that the arrogance Trump displayed was shattered by Zelensky's frank and courageous behavior."
On negotiations
Mohajerani said that Iran will not negotiate under maximum pressure and negotiations should be made to reach a common goal, she stressed.
On Trump's plan to dislocate Gaza residents, she said Gaza is part of Palestine and the cradle of divine religions, and its belonging to Palestine is undeniable. "Trump's policy is to continue genocide in Gaza," she said adding that history will not forget crimes against the Palestinians.