Rouhani Will Present Regional Security Initiative at UN

EghtesadOnline: Iran will present a regional cooperation plan for peace at the United Nations since it believes the presence of foreign forces undermines the region’s security, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, as the country marked the anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 Iraq-imposed war.

News ID: ۷۴۸۵۱۱

23 September 2019

"We will submit an initiative to the United Nations, which ensures that Iran will be protecting the security of the region, including in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, in cooperation with regional countries," he said during a military parade in Tehran, ISNA reported.

Rouhani is slated to join other world leaders at the UN General Assembly that kicks off in New York on Sept. 24.

"We will be reiterating our point that the presence of foreign forces poses a threat to and creates problems for international waterways, the region, freedom of navigation and security of oil shipments," Financial Tribune quoted him as saying.

Rouhani's statement came days after US President Donald Trump approved sending American troops to bolster Saudi Arabia's air and missile defenses, following the largest-ever attack on the kingdom's oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh have blamed on Iran.

Tehran denies any role in the Sept. 14 assault claimed by the Yemeni Houthi group, which is currently fighting a Saudi-led alliance in Yemen's civil war.

In addition to boosting troop and equipment levels in the Persian Gulf region, the US is leading a maritime coalition, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Britain and Australia, with the stated goal of securing the area's waterways and vital oil trade routes.

'Hand of Friendship'

Rouhani said Iran extends its "hand of friendship" to regional nations.

"We have always worked toward security, brotherhood and unity in the region, while the United States has always been a source of insecurity and exploited the resources of regional countries," he said.

He added that the "enemies of Islam" want to take advantage of disagreements between Iran and other regional countries and called on foreign powers in the Persian Gulf region to "stay away".

"If they are sincere, then they should not make our region the site of an arms race. If they want regional security, they should leave this region," he said.

The president said the resistance put up by Iranian forces during the war, which began when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Iran, has led to enemies having "doubts and second thoughts" about committing an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Hailing Iran's military power, Rouhani said, "We never intend to violate the borders of other countries, but at the same time will not allow anyone to violate our borders."

Show of Military Prowess

During the parade in Tehran, domestically manufactured military equipment were put on display, including the Ha'el (Buffer) artillery system that made its debut.

Ha’el has a radar system that enables it to detect targets without facing detection. The aerial defense system has been designed to shoot down low-altitude targets such as cruise missiles, intruding drones and small flying robots.

Bavar-373, which Iranian officials have described as a rival of Russia’s S-300 missile system, was also on display.

Alongside the ceremony in Tehran, military parades were held in other major Iranian cities and towns, as well as Persian Gulf waters.

Surface, sub-surface and hovercraft belonging to the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps paraded in the Persian Gulf, with Army fighter jets, helicopters and IRGC aircraft flying above them, according to Press TV.