TEHRAN, Thursday, March 12, 2026 (WNP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran on Monday reaffirmed its strong support for the Palestinian cause, describing International Quds Day as a symbol of global opposition to occupation and injustice.

In a statement issued on the occasion, the ministry said the day—observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan following its designation by Ruhollah Khomeini—represents the collective voice of the Islamic world and “freedom-seeking nations” against the usurpation of Palestinian land.

The statement emphasized that Quds Day reflects moral and global resistance to the denial of a nation’s right to self-determination and serves as a reminder of the need to confront oppression and violence.

The ministry accused Israel, referring to it as the “Zionist regime,” of committing serious violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, and alleged that such actions have continued with the support of countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It further claimed that recent developments in Gaza represent a continuation of policies pursued since 1948.

The statement also alleged that Israel has conducted a coordinated media campaign to distort realities surrounding the conflict and deflect criticism of its actions.

Referring to current regional tensions, the ministry said this year’s Quds Day is being observed at a time when Iran is defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity against military aggression by the United States and Israel. It termed such actions as destabilizing for the wider region and the Islamic world.

Reiterating Tehran’s longstanding position, the Foreign Ministry stressed continued support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and called on the international community to uphold its legal and moral responsibilities under international law and the United Nations Charter.

It called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, covering the historical land of Palestine.

The ministry also paid tribute to individuals it referred to as “martyrs of the resistance” across multiple regions, including Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Iran, acknowledging their role in the struggle against occupation and oppression.

The statement further honored the legacy of Ali Khamenei, pledging to uphold principles of justice, resistance, and freedom associated with his leadership.

Concluding the statement, the ministry said that large-scale public participation in Quds Day events reflects the Iranian people’s continued support for Palestinian rights and their opposition to Israeli and U.S. policies in the region.