Iran is continuing diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries as it pushes for a regional security framework led by Middle Eastern states and free from foreign military forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday.
“We have no hostility toward the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“We appreciate the positive role played by Qatar and Oman and continue our dialogue with Saudi Arabia,” he added.
“Our goal is to reach new regional security arrangements established by the countries of the region themselves, away from any foreign military presence,” he said.
Iran discusses regional security with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan
In an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Monday, Araghchi said Iran had discussed new regional security arrangements with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan during recent visits by delegations from the three countries to Tehran.
The discussions focused on cooperation among regional powers to address political, security and economic challenges, he said, adding that the four countries had agreed to continue consultations at different levels.
Araghchi said Tehran had no intention of targeting countries it considers friendly in the Gulf. However, he warned that US military bases and other American targets in the region would be included in Iran's response if Washington launched another attack.
He urged Gulf states to help prevent renewed confrontation, praising Qatar's mediation efforts and the positions taken by Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Tehran links Hormuz reopening to US concessions
Araghchi also outlined a proposal mediated by Qatar to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, under which Washington would first implement a series of measures demanded by Tehran, followed by the reopening of the strategic waterway the next day.
Iran's demands include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum, ending the maritime blockade, allowing Iranian oil exports, releasing frozen Iranian assets and reducing the US military presence in the region to previous levels.
