Iran urges Persian Gulf states to stop relying on external powers for security
Iran urges Persian Gulf states to stop relying on external powers for security
M.U.H
06/05/202621
Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has urged neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf to avoid seeking security from external powers, emphasizing that Iran does not hold any hostility toward its neighbors.
In an interview with Press TV on Tuesday, Baqaei warned Iran's neighbors in the Persian Gulf against relying on “borrowed security” in the region, adding, “The US military presence in the region is the sole source of insecurity and endangers the countries hosting American bases.”
The spokesperson reiterated Iran's longstanding stance on securing the Persian Gulf through indigenous cooperation among regional countries, without foreign interference.
He pointed out that US military bases, rather than providing security, have repeatedly placed regional countries at unnecessary risk. “The US military presence in the region is an extra burden and brings nothing but insecurity.”
Baqaei urged regional governments to prioritize constructive dialogue and cooperative security mechanisms, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic holds no hostility towards the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and is committed to establishing respectful relations based on mutual interests, national sovereignty, and shared benefits.
Referring to Iran’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and national interests against foreign aggression, Baqaei said, “Iranians never surrender to pressure.”
He reiterated that Iran’s defensive measures have solely been aimed at American assets and bases actively involved in attacks against Iran, and not directed at regional countries. Iran is committed to avoiding any escalation of tensions with its neighbors and is addressing the root causes of instability in the region, primarily foreign adventurism, he added.
In response to a question regarding Iran-US negotiations, Baqaei stressed, “Currently, Tehran has focused its efforts on ending the war, rather than spending time on overly complicated issues. Based on past experiences, we have decided not to waste our time on matters that have already proven so complex that we cannot reach an agreement on them”.
He added that Iran’s current priority is clear: “Our decision now is to focus on ending the war, because this is a concern for the entire region, for our nation, and for the international community”.
