A plan by the US and Israel to form a security alliance with Arab states to counter Tehran was decried by the country on Saturday as “provocative,” saying it would fuel regional tensions.
Iran looks at it as “a threat to national and regional security,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said in reaction to reports about the proposed plan.
The entry of foreigners in the region “will not lead to security and stability” but in turn “cause more tension and discord,” he said.
According to international sources that cited unnamed sources on Friday, the remarks came in the wake of reports that the US and Israel are mulling over a joint defense pact with Arab states that would connect air defense systems to counter Iran’s drone and missile attacks in the region.
During US President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to the region, including Israel, the plan is likely to gain momentum and would involve the use of Israeli technology, the plan emphasized.
However, the report adds that discussions are still “at an early stage” and that several Arab countries “who refuse to do business with Israel” have resisted the plan.
Kanaani said Iran has “always emphasized dialogue, participation, and regional cooperation” to ensure “security and common interests” of regional countries, without foreign presence, taking strong exception to the plan.
The US-Israeli plan will “weaken regional security” and “secure the interests” of Iran’s arch-foe Israel, he underlined.
