Speaking at a regional diplomacy conference in Mashhad, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said border issues—such as trade, tourism, and illicit trafficking—are best tackled through local cooperation.

Why it matters:

Araghchi’s remarks reflect a shift toward “soft security” through economic and cultural integration.

What he's saying:

  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says deeper provincial-level engagement with neighboring countries could help resolve cross-border tensions and reduce threats like terrorism and smuggling.
  • “A border through which goods, passengers, and tourists pass is one where terrorists and smugglers do not pass,” he said.

What’s next:

Araghchi urged provincial governors and lawmakers to initiate political dialogue with neighboring regions, suggesting that local diplomacy could complement national efforts and foster regional stability.

Hossein Amiri - M.a.Mahmoudi