Non-Aggression Pact Proposal Indicates Tehran's Good Faith

EghtesadOnline: Iran's proposal for a non-aggression treaty between Persian Gulf states indicates the country's good faith, political transparency and desire to build confidence with neighbors, an international affairs expert said.

News ID: ۷۴۷۴۵۵

29 May 2019

Nozar Shafiei also considered the suggestion as a "good initiative" of the country's diplomatic body, saying if implemented, it would help ease concerns over a potential regional conflict.

"The proposal will help clear up misunderstandings in the region and reduce psychological tensions," he said.

The expert stressed that the treaty would also deny the excuse to certain regional countries that wish to wage a psychological war against Iran, according to Financial Tribune.

"If all Persian Gulf countries and neighbors realize the importance of this message and use it, this could be a turning point in the region," he said.

Shafiei called on Middle East states to promptly accept the offer so as to take a major step toward easing security conditions at borders.

A non-aggression pact is a treaty between countries in which signatories promise not to engage in a war against each other.

Tehran's suggestion came amid escalating regional tensions caused by the dispute between Iran and the United States over the 2015 nuclear deal that was abandoned by Washington last year.

In recent months, the US has increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf, deploying warships and bombers by alleging indications that Iran is planning an attack on its forces.

Concerns over a possible war in the region have risen, although both sides have stressed their reluctance to start one.

In a reversal, however, US President Donald Trump said he was sending an additional 1,500 troops to the region, accusing Iran of direct responsibility for this month's attack on four oil tankers, including two Saudi vessels, off the UAE coasts.

He has described the deployments as defensive in nature.

“We want to have protection in the Middle East. We’re going to be sending a relatively small number of troops, mostly protective,” he said.

Iran has denied any involvement with the tanker attack.