Iran has confirmed that it will not participate in the upcoming Sharm El-Sheikh summit, citing ongoing aggression and sanctions imposed by countries it holds responsible for attacks on the Iranian people.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Foreign Minister Hossein Araghchi emphasized that while Iran favors diplomatic engagement, it cannot engage with counterparts who continue to threaten or sanction the Iranian nation.

“Iran is grateful for President El-Sisi’s invitation to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. While favoring diplomatic engagement, neither President Pezeshkian nor I can engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian people and continue to threaten and sanction us,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite declining attendance, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to ending the genocide in Gaza and ensuring the expulsion of Israeli occupation forces. Araghchi stressed that the Palestinian people are fully entitled to their fundamental right of self-determination, and that all states have an obligation to support their lawful and legitimate cause.

“Iran has always been, and will always remain, a vital force for peace in the region. Contrary to the genocidal Israeli regime, Iran is not after forever wars—particularly at the expense of its purported allies—but seeks forever peace, prosperity, and cooperation,” he added.

The Sharm El-Sheikh summit, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, is set to host leaders from over 20 countries on Monday, with the Gaza ceasefire agreement expected to be formally signed during the event.

Iran’s decision to abstain from the summit comes as a clear statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people, emphasizing that true regional peace and stability depend on justice for Gaza and the end of Israeli occupation. (ILKHA)