Rouhani Welcomes Cooperation with Neighbors for Regional Security Arrangements

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, said on Wednesday, March 9, in his speech in Bandar Abbas that Iran welcomes cooperation with its neighbors in the Persian Gulf 'to create regional security arrangements.' According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Mr. Rouhani stated that the Islamic Republic 'welcomes cooperation with its friendly and neighboring countries to create regional security arrangements,' but at the same time 'does not need foreigners to ensure the security of the Middle East.' He pointed out that Iran has been and continues to be a 'good neighbor' for the countries bordering the Persian Gulf, addressing them by saying: 'Foreigners and adversaries do not care about your interests; they only seek to sell their weapons at the highest price and buy your oil at the lowest price.' It seems that the Iranian President's remarks particularly refer to Saudi Arabia, which recently finalized a large arms deal with the United States. However, Mr. Rouhani did not mention that Western countries and their Arab allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, have repeatedly accused the Islamic Republic of 'destabilizing' the region and interfering in the affairs of these countries. Since the arrival of Donald Trump's administration, the Islamic Republic's missile program, alongside Iran's 'interventions' in regional countries, has been the two main axes of criticism from the U.S. government towards Tehran, with American officials citing these as examples of Iran's 'destabilizing and destructive' behaviors for which the Islamic Republic must be held accountable. Donald Trump warned on January 12 that if the 'disastrous flaws' of the nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA, are not addressed, this would be the last time he would vote to extend the suspension of sanctions. Among the four conditions set by Mr. Trump for amending the flaws of the JCPOA is the prohibition of the expansion of Iran's ballistic missiles; other Western powers involved in the nuclear agreement have also mentioned the need for dialogue regarding Iran's missile program, despite emphasizing their commitment to the JCPOA. The Saudi Foreign Minister also stated on February 22 that the 'sunset clause' in the nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers is 'very dangerous' and 'unacceptable.' According to this clause, Iran can increase its enrichment centrifuges after ten years and is allowed to increase the volume of its less enriched uranium after fifteen years. Tehran has always denied interfering in the affairs of others and has drawn a red line regarding negotiations about its missile capabilities. This point was reiterated by Mr. Rouhani in his speech in Hormozgan province, stating: 'Iran will not seek permission from anyone for the construction of its missiles and military and defense equipment.' He also referred to the JCPOA and Donald Trump's position on this agreement, saying: 'As long as the other party does not violate its commitments, it will stand by its promises, but if the other party breaks its commitments, Iran has many options to choose from.' Mr. Rouhani's remarks came a day after the United States and three European countries issued a joint statement on March 8, condemning Iran's 'non-compliance' with the arms embargo on Yemen, referencing a UN report. Germany, Britain, France, and the U.S. stated in this statement that Iran's actions pose 'a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.' In this context, Iran accused the U.S. of 'covering up crimes in Yemen led by Saudi Arabia.'