In an extensive interview with Al Mayadeen Chairman Ghassan Ben Jeddou, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed a wide range of regional issues, including Iran’s relations with the Persian Gulf countries, the aftermath of the recent US-Israeli war of aggression, regional security arrangements, and diplomatic efforts to end ongoing conflicts.
Addressing relations with the United Arab Emirates, Araqchi said Iran remains committed to strengthening ties with its southern neighbor but argued that the Israeli regime has played a destructive role in complicating relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.
He said the expansion of the UAE’s relations with the Israeli regime has negatively affected bilateral ties and raised serious concerns in Tehran, particularly during the recent war.
According to Araqchi, Iran possesses evidence indicating that Emirati territory and facilities were used by the US and Israeli forces during the war of aggression against Iran. He said such developments contributed to further tensions between the two neighboring countries and undermined efforts to build mutual trust.
The foreign minister expressed regret that the war had adversely affected relations with Abu Dhabi despite previous constructive engagement with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Nevertheless, Araqchi stressed that Iran remains committed to improving relations with the UAE, emphasizing that the two countries are neighbors with shared interests and a common responsibility for regional stability.
He argued that lasting security in the Persian Gulf cannot be achieved through reliance on outside powers or cooperation with the Israeli regime, but rather through dialogue and cooperation among regional states themselves.
Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s readiness to rebuild and expand relations with the UAE on the basis of mutual respect, non-interference, and good-neighborly cooperation.
The Iranian foreign minister also highlighted the importance of Iran’s relations with Saudi Arabia, describing Riyadh as a key pillar of regional stability. He said relations between Tehran and Riyadh have steadily improved since the restoration of diplomatic ties under a China-brokered agreement.
Araqchi noted that he maintains regular contact with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two regional powers would continue to deepen despite existing differences.
He emphasized that closer coordination among regional countries is essential for establishing a new security framework in the Persian Gulf, one based on regional cooperation rather than foreign military presence.
Elsewhere in the interview, Araqchi said Iran had repeatedly warned the Persian Gulf states that any use of their territory or military facilities by the United States or the Israeli regime against Iran could trigger retaliatory measures targeting those foreign forces.
He stressed, however, that Tehran does not seek confrontation with neighboring countries and has consistently distinguished between host states and foreign military forces operating on their soil.
According to Araqchi, the recent war reinforced the need for a regional security architecture built by the countries of the region themselves, free from external interference and foreign military dominance.