Tehran:Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that Tehran is continuing its dialogue with Saudi Arabia in an effort to establish new regional security arrangements. These efforts aim to be led by countries within the region and exclude any foreign military presence.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Araghchi emphasized the absence of hostility towards the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and expressed appreciation for the roles played by Qatar and Oman. He highlighted ongoing dialogue with Saudi Arabia, aiming for regional security frameworks developed by the region's nations themselves.
Araghchi, in an interview with Al Jazeera, noted that Iran discussed potential new regional security structures with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan during recent visits by delegations from these countries to Tehran. The discussions focused on cooperation among regional powers to address political, security, and economic challenges, with an agreement to continue consultations at various levels.
The Iranian foreign minister stated that Iran has no intention of targeting friendly Gulf nations but warned that US military bases and other American targets would be included in Iran's response if Washington launched another attack on the country. He urged Gulf countries to assist in preventing further confrontation and praised Qatar's mediation efforts along with the positions of Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi outlined a proposal mediated by Qatar. This proposal involves the US implementing measures sought by Tehran, leading to the reopening of the waterway the following day. Iran's demands include lifting sanctions, ending the maritime blockade, allowing oil exports, releasing frozen assets, and reducing the US military presence to previous levels, which could lead to renewed negotiations with Washington.
Araghchi also mentioned that Iran held indirect talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner through Qatari mediation but denied any agreement for direct talks. He clarified that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are separate from any future nuclear program agreements, which remain under consideration.
The statements come amid indirect diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington following the US and Israel's war against Iran on February 28. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed ongoing message exchanges with Washington through mediators, with Iran's revised diplomatic proposal potentially fully implementable within two days. Tehran maintains openness to diplomacy while preparing its armed forces for any renewed military action.