Creating tensions detrimental to all Persian Gulf states: Shamkhani

“Security in the Persian Gulf and the [Middle East] region is security of all and any creation of tensions and crisis will be detrimental to regional countries and will serve the interests of the arrogant front,” Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said in a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah in Tehran on Saturday.

He added that deep-rooted and strong relations between Tehran and Muscat have led to “unprecedented convergence” of regional countries.

“The top priority of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy is to expand all-out relations with neighbors and promote constructive ties based on common interests,” the SNSC secretary said.

He criticized certain regional countries for their “hasty and arrogant” measures which have undermined efforts to reach understanding and have caused serious challenges to the possibility of managing regional crises.

Shamkhani expressed Iran’s sympathy with all regional nations suffering from acts of terror and illegitimate military aggression and said Tehran seeks to contribute to the resolution of regional crises in a bid to reduce further fatalities.

He said certain regional countries are trying to save terrorists by sending troops to conflict-hit areas and supplying arms to militants, adding that these states are pursuing a “destructive and irrational approach.”

End military approaches to solve political issues: Oman FM

The Omani foreign minister stressed the importance of avoiding moves which would cause more tension and crisis in the region and said the use of military means to settle political differences needs to stop.

Abdullah added that Iran and Oman must use their potential to strengthen economic cooperation.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Abdullah arrived in Tehran on Saturday morning for an official two-day visit to hold talks with senior Iranian officials. Earlier in the day, he held talks and attended a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.