Reza Mirabian told IRNA on Tuesday that the 13th administration pursues closer relationships with neighboring states in the West Asia region, noting that such a foreign policy has been adopted by previous Iranian administrations as well.
The analyst of Arab world issues went on to say that Iran is seeking to lift and nullify sanctions, and on the other hand, plans to decrease its reliance upon oil sale; thus, it has prioritized development of trade with neighbors in order to increase non-oil exports.
Regarding negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to improve ties, he said that for the first step the two countries should reopen their embassies, which can help improve mutual relations.
According to the expert, Saudi authorities had tried to rely on the United States to pave the way for direct conflict with Iran, but their attempt failed to bear any fruit for them, so following the change of power at the White House, the Saudis altered their policy towards the Islamic Republic because the Biden administration urged them to resolve their difference with Tehran.
Washington is not in a position to continue backing Riyadh fully, Mirabian said, noting that the US decreased military forces and equipment in Saudi Arabia.
As to the potential improvement of ties between Egypt and Iran, the analyst said that Cairo and Tehran enjoy a normal relationship despite the fact that they have no political ties, but they have interest section bureaus, which play the role of embassies for both sides.
He further pointed to the Zionist regime's attempt to create a NATO-like regional military alliance against Iran, adding that the establishment of an Arab NATO was discussed years ago, but none of such attempts bore any fruit for them and that the United States will not get involved in a new tension in the West Asia region because there is no Donald Trump at the White House to accept Israeli policies hastily.
The American authorities have found out that calm and peace in West Asia requires Iranian support, he said, noting that the Islamic Republic is one of the main powers in the region, which helps restore peace and security, while the Zionists are after tension and crises.
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