Iran Defense Minister: Regional Security Must Be Ensured by Regional States

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Majid Ebn al-Reza held a telephone conversation with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Monday, discussing bilateral ties, latest regional developments, and ways to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

During the call, Ebn al-Reza referred to a memorandum of understanding on ceasefire in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, saying Iran had signed the MoU at the request of friendly and neighboring countries and with the aim of helping restore regional stability. However, he stressed that Iran has no trust in the US due to its long record of violating commitments, warning that Iran's Armed Forces remain on full alert and will respond appropriately to any breach of the agreement.

The Iranian minister also condemned the Israeli regime's crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, saying continued US support has enabled the Zionist regime to survive and act more aggressively. He urged Muslim countries to demonstrate practical unity and solidarity to prevent the continuation of Israel's destabilizing policies.

Ebn al-Reza reiterated Tehran's proposal for establishing a security alliance among Muslim nations, involving countries such as Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other Islamic states. He noted that the recent war proved that regional security should be provided by regional countries themselves, arguing that the presence of foreign forces not only fails to enhance security but also increases mistrust, uncertainty, and instability.

He also warned against Israeli plans to establish so-called security zones in Syria and Lebanon, saying such moves would pave the way for a broader regional crisis. He added that recent remarks by US officials about opening a new front against Lebanon's Hezbollah could expose the entire region to new security threats.

According to Mehr News, the conversation highlighted the importance of bilateral defense cooperation and the need for regional stability.