Security Can't Be Bought: Regional Countries Must Stand with Iran

A member of the Presidium of Iran's Parliament said: Persian Gulf littoral states must stand alongside Iran to preserve regional security; otherwise, we will compel them to accept regional realities.

In a conversation with Mehr reporter, Ahmad Naderi, referring to the historical process of the formation of relations between the Persian Gulf countries and foreigners, stated: For years, these countries were under the influence of the illusion created for them by extra-regional powers. In fact, by exaggerating the threat of Iran and similar countries, these powers tried to bring the Persian Gulf countries along with their policies.

He added: On the other hand, if we examine the history of the region in the 19th century and the process of formation of some countries in the region, the role of colonialism in creating and shaping these countries becomes clear. Saudi Arabia has an older history of formation, but some smaller countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, which was formed in the 1970s, emerged in the context of historical developments and policies of foreign powers.

The representative of the people of Tehran in the Islamic Council continued: Therefore, from a historical point of view, colonialism played a role in the formation of a number of these Persian Gulf countries, and they also moved within the framework of arrangements and rules created by foreign powers.

Referring to the developments after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the member of the Presidency of the Islamic Council said: After the revolution, the extra-regional powers tried to keep the countries of the region with them by scaring them from Iran, and in this framework, they created various bases in these regions.

Stating that this process has been a long-standing approach in the relations of the countries of the region with foreign powers, Naderi added: These countries have been following this pattern for years, but the recent developments in the region have put different conditions in front of them.

Referring to the events of 1404 and the war against Iran and the developments after that, he stated: What has become clear after these events is that the countries of the region have faced the realities of the field and have come to the conclusion that they must interact with their great and historical neighbors, including the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Naderi emphasized: Security is not a commodity that can be bought and it can be imagined that a country will enjoy security by buying weapons and relying on foreign powers. Developments in the region have shown that security cannot be provided solely from outside and ignoring the role of neighboring countries is not a sustainable solution to maintain regional stability.

Referring to the consequences of recent developments for the future of regional relations, the representative of the people of Tehran in the Islamic Council said: "Realities on the ground have forced or will force the Persian Gulf countries to reconsider their approaches and cooperate with their neighbors to maintain the security of the region."

Stating that the countries of the region are faced with a choice, he stated: These countries should be on the path of maintaining the security of the region alongside a strong Iran. Otherwise, relying on power, Iran will force them to accept the regional realities.