Palestine recognition could ...
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Yet in international politics, “symbol” is not just about propaganda, it can gradually evolve into a norm and influence the behavior of actors. Recognition of Palestine by European countries, even under public pressure, creates grounds for greater legitimacy of legal and political action against Israel.
So, while tactical and political motives do lie behind these decisions, their consequences will not be confined to symbolism—provided they are backed by practical steps such as sanctioning settlement activity, applying coordinated diplomatic pressure, and supporting Palestinian institution-building.
In this context, how can Iran’s position—emphasizing the creation of a single state and holding a referendum—contribute to resolving the conflict?
From the outset, the Islamic Republic of Iran has pursued a principled stance based on justice, maintaining that the only sustainable solution lies in the democratic principle of “self-determination.” Tehran’s proposal for a referendum, involving all original inhabitants of Palestine—Muslims, Christians and Jews alike—is a comprehensive, humane and internationally legitimate approach.
This initiative has three main features: unlike imposed plans, it leaves self-determination to the people themselves; it paves the way for the return of Palestinian refugees; it can attract broad support from global public opinion and independent states.
Clearly, such a plan faces serious short-term obstacles from the United States and Israel. Yet by putting forward this initiative, Iran underscores both its commitment to justice and humanity, and its offer of a solution that could, in the long run, serve as the basis for global consensus against occupation.
Iran’s role should be analyzed on three levels:
Diplomatic and discursive: advancing the referendum initiative in regional and international forums, strengthening the discourse of justice and self-determination.
Legal: supporting judicial action at the International Criminal Court and other legal bodies to deepen Israel’s isolation.
Regional: fostering practical consensus among Islamic states and the Non-Aligned Movement to prevent the Palestinian issue from being traded away in short-term political bargains.
Ultimately, Iran’s position reflects the broader framework of its foreign policy—supporting the oppressed, resisting occupation, and upholding nations’ rights within the rules of international law.