Iran: US-Israeli joint defense plan will increase tension in region

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The Iranian Foreign Ministry considered Saturday that the US-Israeli plan to conclude a joint defense agreement with some Arab states will only increase tension in the region.

State media quoted the Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying that "The entry of foreigners in the region...will not create security and stability but is itself the main cause of tension and regional rift."

His statements came in response to remarks made by the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, who said that the US is working on a partnership for air defense among Middle East states against Iran.

Threat to national & regional security

Kanaani said that "Bringing up the issue is provocative and the Islamic Republic of Iran sees these statements as a threat to national and regional security."

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated that "The fact that America brings up and pursues such issues without properly understanding the realities in the region, which is solely aimed at Iranophobia and creating division among the countries of the region, shows that what is important for America is securing its illegitimate interests and creating breathing space for the Zionist regime in the region."

Kanaani considered that Kirby has portrayed himself as the spokesperson for the regional countries, emphasizing that contrary to the US official's miscalculated statements, Tehran has always focused on dialogue and regional cooperation to ensure security and common interests of the region without foreign interference.

The Iranian official said that the attempt to create new security concerns in the region will only undermine the collective regional security and ensure the security interests of "Israel".

Deception & Iranophobia

He underlined that it is not possible to create a security belt for the Zionist regime by deception and spreading Iranophobia.

The spokesperson also called for working to establish common regional security through the collective cooperation of the countries of the region, which needs a regional understanding, pointing out that Iran - in accordance with its neighborhood policy - has seriousness and determination in this regard.

It is noteworthy that Reuters quoted sources as saying that "The United States and Israel are seeking to lay the groundwork for a security alliance with Arab states that would connect air defense systems to combat Iranian drone and missile attacks in the Middle East."