WANA (May 01) – Kamal Kharrazi, Head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, emphasized Iran’s national strength and independence during a Thursday ceremony marking Persian Gulf National Day.

 

“Today, our country is a powerful country, and no one can invade our country. If Iran were dependent on foreign countries, it naturally could not act so independently,” Kharrazi said.

 

Kharrazi highlighted Iran’s military capability and strategic policy to secure national power and recognition as a regional force. He stressed the importance of leveraging this strength to foster healthy international relations through soft power.

 

He noted that recent geopolitical shifts and changing regional policies have created opportunities for dialogue based on soft power.

 

Regarding Israel, Kharrazi warned of Tel Aviv’s expansionist ambitions, citing Israeli leaders’ statements about reviving the “Nile to Euphrates” policy, especially following the events of October 7. He claimed such policies indicate Israel’s long-term intention to dominate the region.

 

Kharrazi argued that Iran’s power, regional economic ambitions, and concerns over Israel’s future role necessitate dialogue between Iran and Arab states.

 

He called for these talks to be pursued through regional mechanisms and urged the UN to facilitate them, as mandated by Resolution 598—an initiative still unrealized due to past Iraq-Kuwait disagreements.

 

He announced that an Iranian-Arab dialogue summit will be held next week in Doha, with scholars participating. Kharrazi called this a valuable opportunity to advance cooperation in energy, science, technology, culture, politics, and even defense.

 

Referring to Saudi Arabia’s defense minister’s recent visit to Tehran, he welcomed the move but said military cooperation would require gradual steps, beginning with political dialogue.

 

Recalling the historical context of the Persian Gulf, Kharrazi noted that under the Shah’s regime, Iran acted as a regional policeman, creating fear among Gulf states. After the Islamic Revolution, new concerns emerged over ideological compatibility.

 

He traced efforts to mend Iran-Gulf ties back to a meeting between former President Hashemi Rafsanjani and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad, which led to increased cooperation, including a joint effort to raise oil prices during President Khatami’s tenure.

 

Kharrazi concluded by saying that Iran, relying on its scientists, military, and leadership, has built national strength, ensuring internal security and territorial integrity, and that the spirit of cooperation with Gulf countries has grown steadily over the years.