Tehran has been working to strengthen political and economic ties with nations where Islam is the predominant religion, amid ongoing friction with Washington and Tel Aviv. At the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Tehran's approach to the Islamic world as one built on cohesion, deeper ties across the region, and broadened economic engagement.

Araghchi expressed Iran's desire to build particularly close ties with its neighbouring countries and to strengthen relations with Muslim-majority nations more broadly, while expanding the country's economic footprint throughout the region. Tehran also drew attention to its established connections with Muslim-majority nations, expressing a desire to deepen those ties going forward. The top diplomat also urged the expansion of relations with nations across Africa.

The remarks followed a period in which Iran has been navigating ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel across both diplomatic and security channels. Araghchi expressed Tehran's desire to strengthen ties with Egypt, contending that the two nations had no grounds to sustain their existing divisions. Iran stood prepared to normalise relations with Egypt, provided Cairo chose to take that step, the official noted.

Araghchi conveyed that Tehran sought constructive ties with Lebanese political factions and the country's governing institutions. Nonetheless, he took issue with certain policies of the Lebanese government and conveyed a desire for its Foreign Ministry to take what he characterised as a more measured and reasonable course.

Addressing the continuing regional conflict, Araghchi characterised Iran's operations against American military positions as a retaliatory measure following prior strikes by the United States. He asserted that Iran had not launched attacks on Muslim-majority nations or neighbouring states, adding that American military installations throughout the region would face potential strikes should the United States move against Iran. Araghchi portrayed the strikes carried out by the US and Israel against Iran as violations of international law, while framing Tehran's military action as a legitimate defensive response.

Relations between the two nations have remained strained since hostilities broke out, marked by airstrikes on Iran in late February. Iran launched strikes on US military installations across multiple Arab nations in response. A 14-point memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington was reached in Islamabad on 18 June, brokered through the involvement of Pakistan and Qatar. The deal was designed to bring fighting to a halt and open a route toward formal talks.

Progress on the agreement has stalled, with Iran contending that the United States has not fulfilled its obligations. Following this, the US renewed its offensive operations against Iran, prompting a counter-response from Tehran.