He made the comments while addressing the 2nd Tehran Quranic Meeting that was held on Thursday where dozens of scholars discussed "the role of the Holy Quran and Islamic resistance in the realization of Islamic identity.”

“Today, we convene for the second Quranic conference in Tehran amidst a complex web of conspiracies by Zionist and Western regimes, affecting the besieged Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories,” he said.

“In the interval between our first and second gatherings, we observed two significant developments in the realm of Islamic culture and civilization, he said, adding that the first was the disrespect shown towards the Holy Quran. “We saw our Holy Quran being desecrated in front of those who claim to uphold human rights, yet there was no serious reaction by international bodies.”

The second development, he maintained, was the valiant resistance of heroes in Palestine that disrupted all plans by the Zionist regime and the US to normalize the presence of this malignant entity in the western Islamic world.

“We salute the young heroes of the resistance front in Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, who have brought honor to the Islamic world,” he said.

The steadfastness of the Palestinian people over these past six months is a grand saga in the eyes of the world, Esmaeili said, adding that the oppressed people of Gaza, particularly children and teenagers, recited the Holy Quran amidst the rubble of their homes, and their devotion to the Quran has empowered the Islamic community.

This issue should be elucidated and prioritized in all Islamic countries, stressed the minister. “When the oppressed people of Gaza have sacrificed more than 31,000 martyrs, it is unacceptable for some Islamic governments to maintain their economic and political ties with the Zionist regime. This is a clear betrayal of the resistance front and Islam, and a disgrace to the pure blood of martyrs that has sanctified the land of Gaza today.”

A host of other scholars from various countries also addressed the meeting.

The 31st International Holy Quran Fair opened its doors at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla on Wednesday, welcoming visitors to a spiritual and cultural journey that coincides with the Nowruz holidays.

The exhibition, which will run until April 2, invites enthusiasts to explore its offerings daily from 5:00 PM to 00:30 AM local time.

A key highlight of the exhibition is its family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring a welcoming space for all ages.

Additionally, the fair has arranged for Iftar tables to be set up, providing a communal space for visitors to break their fast together following the Maghrib and Isha prayers, further fostering a sense of community and shared experience during this blessed month.

The fair features various Quranic institutions and governmental bodies, as well as international participants from 25 countries. The also highlights the issues of Gaza and Palestine and the role of the Quran in inspiring resistance.

The fair aims to familiarize people with Quranic concepts through artistic, cultural, and theatrical mediums, especially for children and teenagers. It also offers sections on artificial intelligence, Nahj al-Balaghah, Quranic research and consultation, Quran translation, and easy Quran memorization.