Ali Shamkhani who was speaking in a meeting with Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s Foreign Minister on Saturday, believed ‘arrogant and overhasty’ policies by some countries in the region had been undermining Iran’s policy of equanimity and political dialogue to solve crisis.
Shamkhani and Alawi discussed bilateral trade and other sorts of relations as well as developments in the region.
The secretary of Supreme National Security Council who also represents Leader of the Islamic Revolution in the Council emphasized that Iran’s policy had been to cooperate with neighbors and to improve relations which would secure common interests in the region. He assessed Oman a reliable partner and friend in the region; “the opportunities created in times post-JCPOA will definitely help bridge the gap in economic as well as political relations,” he added.
“Iran’s position is to exercise restraint and equanimity in dealing with its neighbors; however, overbearing and overhasty conduct which tries to minimize the effect of Iran’s policy has virtually blocked Iran’s efforts to solve regional crises,” Shamkhani objected. “While military options no longer hold weight to advance political interests in the literature, some countries still wage a misguided attempt to save their mercenary terrorist proxies through illegitimate actions.”
“No military option will succeed in changing people’s will in deciding on their own future in Syria and Bahrain; the security of Persian Gulf is security for all littoral countries and crisis in the region will only benefit the hegemonic extra-regional powers,” he emphasized.
Yusuf bin Alawi for his part emphasized that lessons should be learned from past experiences; conduct to fuel tension and crisis should be avoided and military options should be abandoned for more peaceful means of political dialogue, he said.
“We believe economic capacities should be activated to benefit both countries. These potentials provide Iran and Oman with bright prospects of economic boom and finding new export markets for products of both countries,” he concluded.
SH/3561704