Senior Iranian military official Brigadier General Seyyid Mecid Ebn-e-Reza proposed a security alliance of Muslim countries in a phone call with Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, saying that regional security should be provided by regional countries.
Ebn-e-Reza stated that an alliance including Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt would contribute to regional stability. The Iranian commander said the ceasefire agreement signed with the US was concluded at the request of friendly and neighboring countries to restore regional stability, but stressed that they do not trust the other side due to Washington's long history of not keeping its word, and that their armed forces are fully prepared to respond proportionately to any violation.
The Iranian official condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, arguing that US support has prolonged the survival of the Zionist regime and encouraged it. Ebn-e-Reza warned that recent US statements about opening a new front against Hezbollah could expose the entire region to new security risks, and said that Israel's plans to create so-called security zones in Syria and Lebanon herald a wider crisis.
"Security is an internal matter and dependence on extra-regional powers cannot create lasting security," Ebn-e-Reza said, adding that Iran is ready to continue joint consultations with Turkey and other regional countries to create new and sustainable security arrangements.
For his part, Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler expressed his condolences during the call for Iran's late leader, military commanders, civilians, and the school children who lost their lives in Minab. Güler stated that they support the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the continuation of diplomacy.
Güler also noted that Turkey supports the territorial integrity of its neighbors and is ready to expand cooperation with Iran on counter-terrorism, border security and regional issues. He emphasized that regional rapprochement is the only path to lasting peace.
