“The Parties to the Iran-U.S. Negotiations MUST Recognize Realities and Act with Honesty”

Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid, during his Friday sermon today (April 11, 2025), referred to the upcoming negotiations between Iran and the United States on Saturday. He advised both sides to be honest and to pay attention to the realities, stating: “The best approach is to hold direct and unmediated talks. Mediated negotiations lead nowhere.”

“The Iranian Nation are Pleased with the Negotiations”
According to the official website of the Office of the Sunni Friday Imam of Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol Hamid while stating that negotiations are underway, said: “These negotiations are a significant test for our country. The people of Iran are satisfied and happy that negotiations are taking place. As I’ve said before, the best policy is direct and unmediated talks. Mediated negotiations are ineffective.”
He added: “In these negotiations, we advise both Iranian and American sides to consider facts and truths, and to engage with honesty. As long as there is no sincerity, negotiations will be fruitless.”

“The Iranian Nation and All Middle Eastern Peoples Are Realities whose Security Must be Considered”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid said: “The Iranian nation is a global reality with a significant and historic position. At a time when many nations did not yet exist, there was governance and civilization in Iran.”
He continued: “All Middle Eastern nations are realities. Palestine is a reality, and so is Israel. The Jewish people are a reality, and we cannot say they have no rights. Palestinians are also a reality. Therefore, those engaging in negotiations must take the security of all these peoples into account. It must not be only Israel’s security that is considered.”

“In Gaza, ‘GENOCIDE’ is Taking Place, and Human Rights Are Being Trampled”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid continued, referring to the current situation in Gaza: “We also criticize Europeans and Americans, and we advise them to look at what is happening in Gaza today, to see how genocide is taking place there, how ethnic cleansing is happening, and how human rights are being trampled under the boots of Israeli soldiers.”
He added: “Jews and Muslims, regardless of their beliefs, are human beings. No Jew should be killed unjustly and without cause, and no innocent Muslim should be killed. If a Muslim or a Jew commits murder, they should be punished, but an entire nation should not be destroyed in this manner. It is unacceptable to displace a people from their homeland where they were born, where they lived, and where their cemeteries are.”

“The U.S. President Should be Farsighted and Consider the Rights of Both Israel and Palestine”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid said: “Mr. Trump, the President of the United States, should be farsighted and consider the rights of both Israel and Palestine. No negotiations should be based on disregarding realities and without considering the rights of nations. Such negotiations will never succeed.”
He added: “You must not only look at this region but also at the world, whose economy and life depend on the Middle East. The Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the oceans have turned this region into a global economic hub, and everyone is dependent on it. Therefore, the interests of all nations and communities should be considered. These negotiations must be successful and bring positive results through a broad perspective and foresight.”

“Military Superiority Cannot Solve Regional Issues; Justice and Recognizing Realities Bring Security”
The Imam of Zahedan concluded: “As long as the issues of Palestine and Gaza are unresolved, the security of Israel and the fight against terrorism will yield no results. The issue of terrorism cannot be solved through military superiority and nuclear arms; it must be addressed through justice.”
He stated: “While you have military superiority and modern military equipment deployed in the region, military dominance cannot solve the region’s issues. It is justice, recognizing realities, and fairness that will bring security, peace, and comfort. We want everyone in the Middle East to live in peace, including Jews, the Palestinian people, the Arab nations, Iran, and the world. The only solution is the implementation of justice and a fair, realistic approach to the issues.”

The Destruction of Palestine and Gaza and the Forced Relocation of Gaza’s Inhabitants is a “Radical Theory”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid, while mentioning the upcoming meeting between Iran and the U.S. in Oman tomorrow, said: “My advice is for them to negotiate face-to-face, but both sides should consider the realities and engage in problem-solving. We must avoid extremism. In the negotiations, all parties must be considered.” He added: “Some say that Jews should leave the region or be destroyed. We do not consider this view fair or just, and it is far from reality. Similarly, the theory that Palestine and Gaza should not exist and Palestinians should be relocated is also a radical theory. Both views involve extremism and overlook realities. Both Palestine and Israel are realities, and one cannot be erased.”
He continued: “If no one seeks expansion and everyone is satisfied with their rights, and justice and fairness prevail, this serves humanity and human rights and brings peace and security. Only then will people pray for you whether you are present or not. But if you burn the region and leave, ignoring realities and facts, you will not succeed, and any peace achieved in this manner will be doomed to failure. Those whose rights are violated, when they see no way out, resort to self-destruction. It is those who have nothing to lose who engage in suicide attacks. The world will only find peace when people know they have received their due, and this is human nature.”

“Iranian Representatives in Negotiations Must Consider the Country’s and People’s Conditions”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid expressed hope that Saturday’s negotiations would lead to “good results” and said: “Our sincere advice to our authorities and Iranian representatives in these negotiations is to consider the situation of our country and the Iranian people. They must understand the point our country and people are at.”
He added: “The representatives going for negotiations should know they represent all of the Iranian people, including all ethnic groups, religions, and sects. They must consider the rights and conditions of everyone, especially those who are in unbearable situations. This situation must change. If the negotiations are conducted with good intentions, Allah will assist, and we hope for results that are satisfactory for the entire Middle East and the world.”

“The Authorities Should Not Be Influenced by Extremists; Extremists Have Dealt a Heavy Blow to the Country and People”
The Imam of Zahedan further said: “My final advice to the authorities of the country is not to be influenced by extremists, as extremism has dealt a very heavy blow to the country and the Iranian people. Unfortunately, in our country, there is a lot of extremism, but there are also many moderate individuals. However, moderation does not hold much weight in our country because the extremists are ahead. They are present in the system and government, and even when outside of the system, they hold significant power and influence. Sometimes, their power exceeds that of the authorities, and with a shout and commotion, they force everyone to retreat.”
He continued: “Allah Almighty advises in the verse, ‘So be patient; indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, and do not let those who lack certainty make you impatient’ (Quran 30:60), warning the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) not to let the simple-minded, short-sighted, and extremists divert him from his path and cause him to lose patience.”
He also referenced the verse, “‘Your prayer has been answered; remain steadfast and do not follow the path of those who do not know’ (Quran 10:89),” where Allah warns Prophet Moses and Aaron to remain cautious and not let the short-sighted and ignorant mislead them from their path.”

“I Only Accept National Interests”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid said: “I only accept national interests because national interests are Islamic interests. When you preserve the nation, you preserve the religion. If we do not preserve the nation, religious disillusionment will emerge, as it has increased in our country, and this is a great harm.” He added: “Think nationally and focus on the interests of the Iranian people because you represent 85 to 90 million people of Iran. Consider the poor, rural areas, the unemployed, and those living on the outskirts of cities, and do not listen to the extremists. Extremists have created costs for the country, government, and the people. Do not give them wings. Let them speak, but do not accept their words. Listen to the well-wishers and the voices of the men, women, and youth of the nation. Also, listen to the well-intentioned scholars and academics because even among scholars and intellectuals, there are extremists whose words harm the national interests of the country and the people.”

“The Country’s Problems are Due to ‘Ineptitude’ and ‘Weak Management’; Economy Will Improve with ‘Proper Policy’, ‘Strong Management’, ‘Integrity’, and ‘Fighting Corruption'”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid, in another part of his speech during Friday prayers in Zahedan, referred to Iran’s unparalleled natural resources and said: “It is regretful that the Iranian people, with all these resources and wealth, are hungry, and this is due to weak management and lack of foresight. The country has been subjected to two heavy pressures: first, the sanctions that have lasted for decades, and second, weak management, which even the authorities admit.” He continued: “The economy will improve with proper policy, strong management, integrity, and fighting corruption. Once, a senior official of the country said that corruption is harmful but does not pose a threat to the system and cannot topple it. Such statements are painful.”
Addressing the authorities, he said: “First, think about the Iranian people, so that they are not hungry and in need, and national interests are not endangered. When national interests are secured, many other problems will be solved. When the people have no problems, there will be no reason for protests.”
He emphasized: “Unfortunately, corruption has not been fought with proper management and planning, and corruption is rampant. Even the authorities admit that financial corruption has spread so widely that it is now pervasive and deeply rooted. Many individuals and places have become tainted and entangled in corruption.”

“Political Parties and Civil Movements Are a Sign of Life for Every Country and Nation; The Government of Pakistan and Other Countries Should Welcome These Movements”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid advised the authorities in Pakistan to engage in dialogue with civil society activists rather than imprison them, and to pay attention to their demands. He said: “My opinion is sincere and without any ulterior motive, but I see the problems and feel that we have a responsibility to speak about them.”
He continued: “Any movement that is political and civil, free from violence, and that presents the demands of the people is a source of growth and progress for any country. The existence of parties and civil organizations is necessary for every vibrant nation. Unless a nation is dead, otherwise, living nations have diverse demands that they express civilly, and for the advancement of any country and resolution of its problems, this is far better. If there are no political parties, factions, and civil groups in a country, that country will die.”

“We Support Constructive Dialogue and Criticism and Oppose Violence from Any Side”
The Imam of Zahedan expressed: “We support constructive dialogues and criticisms and are against war. We believe that war is destructive, and its devastation is vast. Governments should welcome parties and groups and pursue matters through civil means. Politicians should not be imprisoned. Imprisoning politicians is wrong in any country, especially if they are women. It is true that if a woman commits murder, she is executed and has a right to retribution according to Sharia law, but in every country, women’s rights should be respected. Imprisoning female politicians spreads dissatisfaction and harms our neighboring country.”
Mawlana Abdol Hamid added: “I am against killing, bloodshed, and violence, whether it comes from a government or from the people. However, when political parties and civil activities are not free, and civil efforts to address demands do not succeed, naturally, extremist individuals will resort to weapons. This is not in the best interest of any country or system. Therefore, it is better to engage in dialogue with them and solve their problems, which both we and the government of Pakistan are aware of. Security is strengthened when the path of dialogue and negotiation is open. We hope that God grants the world a broad vision.”