Diplomatic Horizon: Iran’s Envoy Champions Dialogue for Regional Stability, Commends Riyadh’s Initiatives
Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, has articulated Tehran’s steadfast commitment to regional stability and comprehensive cooperation, emphasizing dialogue as the cornerstone for preventing wider conflicts. In an extensive interview with the Saudi newspaper Okaz, Ambassador Enayati lauded Riyadh’s active role in fostering regional dialogue and underscored Iran’s readiness for serious talks on shared issues.
Regional Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
Ambassador Enayati highlighted a recent surge in diplomatic activity, including intensive contacts between the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Iran, alongside a visit by the Omani Foreign Minister to Tehran. He affirmed these overtures as instrumental in enhancing regional stability and security, reiterating Iran’s dedication to peace and its welcoming stance towards all efforts aimed at de-escalation and preventing conflict expansion. Enayati warned against the severe, region-wide repercussions of any potential conflict, emphasizing that such an event would impact the entire region, not just a single nation.
Advocating for Peaceful Solutions and Strong Bilateral Ties
The Iranian envoy stressed Tehran’s belief in peaceful resolutions for all regional crises, identifying dialogue as the sole viable path for complex challenges. He noted, however, that other parties have at times overlooked this option in favor of confrontation. Enayati particularly commended Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in strengthening dialogue and mitigating tensions, pointing to high-level engagements between Tehran and Riyadh as reflective of a shared strategic approach. Iran, he affirmed, seeks robust and continuous relations with its neighbors, especially Saudi Arabia, based on good neighborliness and ongoing constructive dialogue. This approach, he added, is evidenced by mutual visits and continuous communication between officials. Envisioning a future of prosperity and stability for the entire region, Iran stands ready to cooperate with its neighbors to realize this mutually beneficial outlook.
Iran’s Stance on Nuclear Negotiations
Addressing the nuclear dossier, Ambassador Enayati emphasized the necessity of mutual trust, stating that “trust-building only forms when it is reciprocal.” He recounted Iran’s participation in extensive dialogues in 2015 and 2016 aimed at tangible outcomes, lamenting that the opposing side did not adhere to the agreed results. Enayati affirmed Tehran’s continued readiness for serious negotiations that yield mutually satisfactory outcomes for all parties, cautioning against imposing predetermined results or one-sided achievements. He further asserted that the persistence of sanctions erodes trust and impedes the Iranian nation’s economic development opportunities.
Internal Dynamics and Regional Security Interconnectedness
The ambassador also touched upon past protests in some Iranian cities, explaining that these initially stemmed from economic and livelihood concerns, involving merchants and businesses protesting living conditions and rising prices. He stated that the government acknowledged these as civil and lawful protests, urging restraint from involved parties. However, he noted that these demonstrations later deviated from their peaceful path, devolving into chaos, and were exploited by external parties seeking to incite violence, insecurity, and damage public property. Enayati concluded this point by underscoring the indivisible nature of regional security, where the stability of one nation positively impacts its neighbors, while instability threatens the security of all.
Call for Inclusive Regional Cooperation
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Enayati advocated for a comprehensive regional dialogue rooted in collective cooperation across political, security, and economic spheres. He firmly stated that no country should be excluded from the regional system, warning against schemes perceived to weaken and fragment regional states. He identified the increasing influence of Israel within the region as a “real threat.” Iran, he added, is prepared to utilize all available opportunities for dialogue, consultation, and serious cooperation on common issues, viewing collective action as the only path to achieving desired objectives, while division only complicates crises.
