National Interests and the Lives of the Iranian People Should Not Be Tied to the Interests of any Other Country or Nation

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid, while addressing the Friday prayer ceremony in Zahedan on 26 June 2026, pointed to the numerous problems facing the Iranian people, especially in the economic and livelihood sectors.
He emphasized that in all negotiations, national interests and improving the living conditions of the Iranian people must be the top priority and take precedence over the interests of any other country or nation.

The Interests of the Iranian Nation Must Be the Highest Priority for the Negotiating Team
According to a report published by the office of the Friday Imam of Sunnis in Zahedan, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid welcomed the talks and negotiations between Iran and the United States and said: “We are supporters of peace and dialogue. The Qur’an also emphasizes this in the verse ‘And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and rely upon Allah.’ Therefore, I consider these negotiations, talks, and reconciliation efforts beneficial for the Iranian nation and other nations of the world.”
He further stated: “In the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US, the most important duty is that the interests of both nations are taken into consideration. The interests of the Iranian nation must be placed first, and for our country’s negotiating team, the interests of the Iranian people must take precedence over the interests of any other nation or country.”

The National Interests of the US and Iran Should Not Be Tied to Israel and Lebanon
The Friday Imam of Zahedan stressed: “It is not in the interest of the Americans to make Israel their red line. Similarly, for the officials of our country in these negotiations, national interests and the interests of the Iranian people must be the priority. I do not consider it correct that the national interests of the US and Iran become tied to Israel and Lebanon.”
He added: “These days, the people of Iran are living under extremely difficult livelihood conditions. Inflation and hardship are rampant, and people are facing a dead end. Therefore, the lives of the Iranian people should not be tied to any other country. Defending the rights of the oppressed is good, but tying the interests and destiny of the country to another nation is not consistent with Iran’s national interests.”

After Resolving Their Own Issues, Iran and the US Can Pursue the Issues of Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine through Diplomacy / Solving the Problems of the Middle East Requires the Participation of All Countries
The Friday Imam of Zahedan said: “Once Iran and the US resolve their own disputes and establish diplomatic relations with each other, they can easily pursue and resolve the issues of Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine through diplomacy.”
He added: “As long as the issues and problems of the Middle East are not resolved, the problems will continue. Solving the problems of the Middle East requires the efforts and participation of all countries. All countries of the world have interests in the Middle East. How long must these conflicts continue while the Middle East burns in the fire of war?”

Governance and Protecting National Interests Is Not Possible with Emotions and Slogans
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid emphasized the need to “avoid emotions and slogans” in running the country, and said: “The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) never chanted ‘Death to’ slogans against the hypocrites, polytheists, Jews, or Christians who were hostile to the Muslims. Therefore, we should not chant ‘Death to’ slogans against any country or nation. Even if some justify that they do not mean the people, when a ‘death’ slogan is raised against a country, it includes the nation as well.”
He continued: “It is not appropriate to continue the slogans from forty-seven years ago; because conditions have changed and most of those who were present at the beginning of the revolution are no longer here. We must understand the current realities. Running a country, maintaining governance, and protecting national interests are not possible through emotions and slogans. A new season must begin in our country, and the door of dialogue must be opened. Just as you hold talks with outsiders, you should also sit with your own people, talk to them, and pay attention to their demands.”

People of Khuzestan Complain About “Pressures” and “Lack of Legal Freedoms” / The Country Needs a New Season in Which Pressures Are Lifted and the Rights of Ethnic Groups and Religious Communities Are Respected
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid expressed concern over the lack of legal freedoms for the people of Khuzestan, and said: “The people of Ahvaz have been complaining about the pressures being exerted on them. The Sunni community of Ahvaz also complains that they do not enjoy the necessary legal freedoms.”
He added: “The country needs a new season in which pressures are removed across the country and the rights of ethnic groups and religious communities are respected. Some ethnicities, especially in border regions including the people of Khuzestan—particularly the Sunnis of the province who are Hanbali—constantly complain about pressures and the violation of their rights.”
The Friday Imam of Zahedan emphasized: “We call upon the government, the Supreme National Security Council, and the Minister of Interior to make efforts to improve the conditions of the people of Ahvaz and to respect the rights and freedoms of ethnic groups and religious communities, as emphasized in Islamic teachings, international law, and the country’s constitution.”

Release Political Prisoners and Open the Door for Dialogue with Ethnic Groups, Religious Communities, and Politicians
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid also stressed the “release of political prisoners”, and said: “In the new conditions of the country, it is necessary to release political prisoners and engage in dialogue with them. Civil society should be strengthened and those who demand and pursue their rights through civil means should be supported. No one accepts violence and we do not either, but the whole world accepts civil activities.”
He added: “The door of dialogue with ethnic groups, religious communities, and political activists must be opened. This is in the interest of the country, it will increase the country’s credibility at the international level, it will help control inflation and rising prices, and it brings the pleasure of God and the people.”

Pakistani Authorities Should Revoke the Life Imprisonment Sentences of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Other Civil Activists
In another part of his Friday sermon in Zahedan, the Friday Imam referred to the life imprisonment sentence issued against Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the “Baloch Solidarity Committee” in Balochistan province of Pakistan, and said: “Recently, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who heads a political and human rights organization, along with several other Baloch civil activists, have been sentenced to life imprisonment.”
He stated: “Ms. Mahrang Baloch emphasized pursuing the demands of the Baloch people through civil struggle and avoiding violence. In the past, I told Pakistani officials that organizations and individuals who demand their rights through civil means are an opportunity for this country, especially for Balochistan province, and should be strengthened; this helps Pakistan’s national security.”
He noted: “Pakistan is Iran’s neighbor and the two countries share common interests. Therefore, our recommendation to Pakistani officials is to revoke the prison sentence of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other civil activists and release them. Pakistani officials can influence those engaged in armed activities through dialogue with these civil activists.”

People of Balochistan Should Not Block Transportation Routes
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid emphasized the need to “avoid road blockades in Balochistan”, and said:
“My advice to the people of Balochistan is not to block transportation routes and not to set vehicles on fire, because this action first and foremost harms the Baloch people on both sides and then harms the country. Transportation routes must remain open and travelers should be able to move safely.”

The Earthquake in Venezuela Was “Horrifying and Unprecedented”
Mawlana Abdol-Hamid described the recent earthquake in Venezuela as “horrifying and unprecedented”, and said: “In the horrifying and unprecedented earthquake that occurred in Venezuela, many people lost their lives. May Allah Almighty remove this calamity from the people of Venezuela.”
He added: “The message of these events is that human beings should abandon corruption and oppression, and if they want to live in security, they must live righteously.”

Religious Schools Have Programs for Students and University Students During Summer Holidays; Families Should Welcome Them
At the end of his speech, the Friday Imam of Zahedan, referring to the closure of religious schools during the summer months and their planning for special summer classes for school and university students, called upon all families and people to welcome the programs organized by Sunni scholars and religious schools—including the Student Affairs and University Affairs offices of Darululoom Zahedan during the summer—and to encourage their children to participate in these classes and programs.