Question: The Leader of Islamic Revolution has described cutting economic ties with the Zionist regime by Islamic countries as a decisive blow to this regime. In your view, how practical and attainable is this solution, and why has the Leader consistently highlighted it in various statements?
Mr. Arzaqi: In my view, this approach serves two significant purposes: One is to economically pressure the Zionist regime. How does this pressure unfold? Currently, Islamic countries collectively engage in direct exports and imports with the Zionist regime, totaling around $14 billion. 14 billion dollars in the total foreign trade of the regime is not a high number, although it specifically pertains to commodity trade. Oil export is separate from these numbers and it is a big number. Hence, one argument suggests that Islamic countries should cease direct trade with the Zionist regime, covering both goods and oil. Another perspective proposes that Islamic nations should prohibit the import of products from multinational companies associated with the Zionist regime. Although these products may not be directly considered part of trade with the regime, they contribute to its economic power. Refraining from importing these brands could deal a significant blow to Israel.
Another crucial aspect involves Islamic countries avoiding collaboration with companies affiliated with the Zionists. In recent times, we've observed Yemen's impact on the regime's trade without direct engagement, highlighting the potential effectiveness of this approach. Therefore, both at the governmental and societal levels, Islamic countries can take action by refraining from partnering with transportation companies, technology firms, and component manufacturers associated with the regime. Putting pressure on these entities to discontinue cooperation with Tel Aviv represents another avenue to disrupt vital economic lifelines of the regime.
The second goal of the ongoing proposal to cut off the vital lifelines of the Zionist regime by Islamic countries is to exert psychological, political, and media pressure on this regime. Currently, there exists a significant capability and platform to restrict the use of products linked to the Zionist regime. A unified and determined effort by Islamic countries can promptly translate this idea into action. Naturally, this initiative will carry noteworthy psychological and political implications for the Zionist regime.
In the meantime, another factor that has led the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to repeatedly emphasize the necessity of Islamic countries severing the vital lifelines of the Zionist regime is the significant limitations faced by the leaders of these nations in defining the scope and tools of their responses. While expecting a military reaction from these countries might be unrealistic, the least they can do is apply economic pressure on the regime. Therefore, the Leader's directive for an economic confrontation with the regime stems from the fact that the capability, authority, and tools for such pressure actions rest within the hands of Islamic countries. No consent from the regime or approval from any other party in this arena is required. Consequently, another justification for the repeated introduction of this discussion by the Leader to Islamic countries is that the capacity to execute this action lies within the Islamic countries themselves.
Question: What's your assessment of the effectiveness of the strategy to sever the vital lifelines of the Zionist regime and apply pressure on its economy?
Mr. Arzaqi: The reality is that the issue of cutting off the economic lifelines of the Zionist regime is definable as an effective and shared action among Islamic countries. This means that Islamic countries, both at the governmental and societal levels, can define a position and role for themselves in this action. There is potential for the development of this capacity. Therefore, the most practical expectation from Islamic countries is to define an effective action for themselves in the economic realm.
The next crucial consideration is that the inaction of Islamic countries in response to the events in Gaza could carry significant and enduring consequences for their own interests. There is a possibility that they may not be fully aware of the potential repercussions. Examining the historical patterns of the Zionist regime's behavior makes it evident that when the regime achieves its objectives in a conflict, it gains confidence and proceeds with further invasions against other countries in various forms. Therefore, if Islamic countries don't actively support Palestine and fail to take positive steps to aid the people of Gaza, they essentially work against their own national interests. Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah explicitly addressed the neighboring countries of Palestine in one of his speeches, emphasizing that these events contradict the national interests of these countries, and their lack of effective intervention could result in harm to their own national interests. Hence, the proposed strategy of severing the vital lifelines of the Zionist regime aligns with the national interests of Islamic countries and can help mitigate many risks stemming from the regime's future actions.
Question: What are the strategies for accomplishing this goal, including potential obstacles, and what insights do you have regarding the key actions needed to overcome these challenges?
Mr. Arzaqi: The key aspect in cutting vital lifelines of the Zionist regime is acknowledging the dominance of the economic structures of the West in the region and globally. The strategy for Islamic countries to exert economic pressure on the Zionist regime sets the stage for their independent actions outside the Western hegemonic system, fostering their progress and autonomous development in the future. Furthermore, recent developments in the region, particularly the attacks on Gaza and the surprise operation by the Resistance on October 7, indicate that the current world order is crumbling, paving the way for the emergence of a new order.
Hence, the current actions taken by Islamic countries help them better prepare for the future order and gain significant advantages for themselves in the times ahead. Given that economic tools are generally employed by the Western powers to control other countries, the emphasis by the Leader of Islamic Revolution on the capability of Islamic countries to act against the regime through putting economic pressure is aimed at enabling them to weaken the Western hegemonic system, which utilizes the economy as a tool. This is in line with creating the groundwork for the region's entry into a new system and order based on regional capacities and the will of the region's nations.
(The views expressed in this interview are interviewee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Khamenei.ir.)
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