Iran welcomes Gulf countries' attitudes towards security arrangements

Iran welcomed yesterday the new attitude of the Gulf Cooperation Council towards Tehran. It called for joint security management in the Gulf area.

Mohammed Mohamadi, Iranian Foreign Minister, stated that Gulf states should try hard to find ways to enhance cooperation among each other, and build mutual confidence. The foreign military existence in the area—referring to US—cannot guarantee regional security, so it must be eliminated, he said.

The secretary general of the GCC recently stated that Iran's role and participation in the security arrangement are necessary, and they don't constitute danger to the region. "I can't say there is a danger coming out of Iran. I don't believe in this (danger)." Jameel al-Hujailan told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that Iran understands its interests in the region. "It's a big neighboring country and we are fully anxious to maintain good relations based on good intentions," Hujailan said. "It is impossible for me to say that Iran presents a danger for the GCC," he added.

Hujailan stated that GSS countries did not want relations between Iran and the United States to remain strained because this would have negative impacts on the stability of the Gulf region. "We want our region to be safe and far from international struggles," he said.