The Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi condemned any attempts by countries in the region to normalize relations with their arch-enemy Israel, describing it as “reactionary and degrading.”

These statements come amid ongoing U.S.-brokered negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia to establish official relations, as the United States said on Friday that the two countries are moving towards a framework for a deal.

Raisi stated during the International Islamic Conference held in Tehran, “Normalizing relations with the Zionist regime is a reactionary and degrading step by any government in the Islamic world.”

Raisi also describes any attempt at normalization as "the desire of foreigners," while indicating that "surrender and compromise" regarding Israel are not on the table.

He added that "the only option for all fighters in the occupied territories and the Islamic world is resistance and standing against the enemies,” reiterating Iran's position on the necessity of "liberating" Jerusalem.