Expert: Iran’s Regional Presence Ensures Stability

In an interview with Tasnim, former spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry Hamid Reza Asefi said the Islamic Republic has helped regional nations in the battle against aggression and foreign threats at the invitations of the their own governments, not by force.

Iran’s regional presence is acceptable and justifiable both under the international frameworks and in terms of brotherly and humanitarian relations, he added.

He pointed to the remarks that Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei made about Iran’s foreign policy, the 2015 nuclear deal, the hostile sanctions and the defense capabilities on Friday, saying Iranian officials should not shy away from declaring the Islamic Republic’s official presence in the region which is aimed at protecting stability and fighting terrorism.

Highlighting Iran’s assistance for Syria, Iraq and Lebanon in the war on terrorism and ensuring sustainable regional security, Asefi said the Islamic Republic’s campaign against the Daesh terrorist group has led to security in the European countries.

In a televised speech on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need for Iran’s active presence in the region, saying, “The front of arrogance keeps questioning Iran’s presence in the region. However, the Islamic Republic has the duty to behave in such a way as to strengthen its friends and supporters in the region.”

“Our presence leads to stability. It has been proven that the Islamic Republic’s presence in the region helps to eliminate the causes of instability, such as: the issue of the Daesh in Iraq, various matters in Syria and the like. However, I do not want to enter into these details now. Those who are involved in these matters are perfectly aware of this. Therefore, our presence in the region is a definite matter, which should and will continue.”