Why it matters:
Iran main priority, specially in recent years, has been building deep relation with neighbouring countries and shaping cooperatin with them in various economic and political fields of cooperation.
The big picture:
Iran’s role in West Asia is both historical and evolving, marked by a strategic interplay of religion, ideology, politics, and regional dynamics.
The significance of Iran’s relationships with its neighbors, stretching from Turkey in the northwest to the Arab states to its south, is a central aspect of its regional policy. A complex interplay of cooperation and competition characterize these interactions, with significant implications for the region’s stability and security.
What he's saying:
Ali Larijani told Al Jazeera that Iran has always pursued friendly and respectful relations with regional states and global powers.He highlighted Iran’s close ties with Turkey, recalling Tehran’s support during Turkey’s failed coup attempt to help maintain stability and bilateral relations.
On Iran–Saudi ties, Larijani noted periods of constructive and respectful relations, particularly during the era of King Abdullah and through visits by former Iranian presidents. He described Russia and China as key partners, emphasizing strong cooperation despite differences in some objectives.
Larijani said Iran and Qatar maintain effective coordination in policy and investment, adding that claims exaggerating disagreements are unrealistic. He also pointed to friendly relations with Egypt and acknowledged that some regional countries face U.S. pressure.
Differences over issues such as Palestine, he said, should never be interpreted as hostility.
Go deeper:
Larijani Holds Talks With Putin as U.S.–Iran Tensions Spike
Neda Sajjadi - seyed mohammad kazemi