Rouhani: US measures make regional problems more complicated

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says measures taken by some extra-regional countries, especially the United States, in the Persian Gulf region only serve to render the region’s problems more complicated and make it appear less secure in the eyes of the world.

In a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday, Rouhani said, "The goal of [all] measures taken by some extra-regional countries, including the United States, in the Persian Gulf region is to make the world believe this region is insecure," emphasizing that "such measure only render the region's problems more complicated and dangerous."

"Iran attaches high importance to maintaining and consolidating security in the Persian Gulf region, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, and spares no effort in this regard, because it believes that maintaining this security will ensure development and interests of regional people," Iran's president said.

The Iranian president underscored that stability and security in the Persian Gulf can be realized through cooperation and joint security initiatives among all littoral states, saying, "Historical experience has shown that foreign intervention will only heighten tensions and make conditions in this region more complicated."

Stressing that the Islamic republic favors continued deliberations with friendly countries, Rouhani said Tehran believes that de-escalation of regional tensions would benefit everyone, expressing hope that Americans would finally realize that the path they have chosen is wrong, has no winner, and [therefore, they] must rectify their behavior.

PressTV-Zarif: Outsiders make Persian Gulf insecure

Iran's foreign minister terms extra-regional presence in the Persian Gulf as a "source of insecurity."

The Qatari monarch, for his part, said defusing tensions in the Persian Gulf would serve the interests of the region and the world.

Highlighting the crucial role played by Iran in the region, the Qatari Emir added that Doha will spare no effort to help reduce tensions.

Sheikh Tamim also emphasized that regional security must be maintained by the Persian Gulf’s littoral states and that Qatar’s position is crystal clear in this regard as it seeks cooperation with Iran in bolstering bilateral ties and regional security.

The United States has been trying to persuade its allies to form an international coalition with the declared aim of providing “security” for merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of all oil consumed globally pass —and other strategic Middle Eastern shipping lanes.

The US had officially asked Germany to participate — alongside Britain and France — in the coalition, a request that was declined by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. The UK, however, accepted to join the US-led coalition.

Japan has likewise refused to join the force, and France has expressed reservations.

Responding to the developments, Iran's defense chief said on Thursday that the US-proposed coalition would foment insecurity in the region contrary to US claims.

PressTV-'US-led PG mission will sow insecurity in region'

Iran's defense chief says a United States-proposed coalition purportedly seeking to beef up maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz will bring nothing but insecurity to the region.

Washington claims Tehran has played a role in two separate attacks on oil tankers in the Sea of Oman in May and June, without providing any credible evidence to support the accusations.

Iran has categorically rejected the charges.

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