Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Araghchi to Grossi: These parties will bear responsibility for the consequences of their actions
Araghchi to Grossi: Iran will respond to any unlawful action by European countries or parties attempting to turn the Agency into a tool for achieving their objectives
Araghchi to Grossi: We urge the Agency to warn against the consequences of any political move against Iran
Araghchi to Grossi: We call on the Agency to highlight Iran’s full cooperation during the upcoming Board of Governors meeting next week
Araghchi to Grossi: We demand that the Agency reflect the facts in a manner that prevents certain parties from exploiting it to advance their political agendas
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holds a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi
Trump envoy Witkoff has sent 'detailed and acceptable proposal' to Iran for nuclear deal; it's in their best interest to accept it: White House Press Secretary Leavitt
Hamas official says Witkoff's position toward group was 'unfair' and shows 'complete bias' to 'Israel'
Hamas official says it has considered Witkoff's proposal acceptable for negotiations, says 'Israel's' response was incompatible with what the group agreed on
Hamas official says group has not rejected Wikoff's proposal for Gaza ceasefire

Javad Zarif proposes West Asian peace initiative in The Economist

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Economist
  • 25 Dec 2024 22:57
3 Min Read

The initiative, called MWADA, would bring together key regional players, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and others, alongside international stakeholders such as UN envoys.

Listen
  • x
  • In this Jan. 26, 2021, file photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif listens during the talks in Moscow, Russia. (AP)
    In this January 26, 2021, file photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif listens during talks in Moscow, Russia. (AP)

Iranian writer and diplomat Javad Zarif on Wednesday published an article in The Economist, calling for the establishment of a Muslim West Asian Dialogue Association (MWADA) to promote peace and cooperation in the Persian Gulf region and beyond. Writing in a personal capacity, Zarif outlined a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing regional conflicts, fostering economic integration, and strengthening security among Muslim nations in West Asia.

MWADA, as envisioned by Zarif, would bring together key regional players, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and others, alongside international stakeholders such as UN envoys. The initiative aims to promote ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen while facilitating dialogue on humanitarian and political solutions. Zarif emphasized that the framework would be grounded in the shared values of Islam and principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and collective security.

"MWADA, meaning 'amity' in Arabic—the language of our collective prayers—ought to aim to foster peaceful coexistence and equitable partnerships," Zarif wrote, underscoring the need for collaboration to counter regional instability.

Read more: Iran has no proxies in region: Sayyed Khamenei

Zarif also highlighted the potential for economic cooperation through a MWADA Development Fund, which could finance infrastructure projects and support reconstruction in post-conflict areas like Syria. Addressing energy security, he proposed regional agreements to safeguard trade routes and explore renewable energy resources, including solar and wind power.

Zarif's vision

The former Iranian foreign minister further called for efforts to establish a nuclear-free West Asia, suggesting that reviving the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) should be part of the broader peace agenda. He also pointed to the role of cultural exchanges, counter-terrorism efforts, and media campaigns in fostering understanding and coexistence.

Zarif emphasized the importance of improved relations between Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which he believes could counteract extremism and sectarian divisions. Reflecting on historical challenges, he wrote, "MWADA challenges us to reimagine the region not as a battleground but as a hub of amity and empathy."

Zarif concluded with a call for bold action, urging regional governments to move past historical grievances and seize the opportunity to create a peaceful, stable, and prosperous West Asia. "The time to act is now," he declared, presenting MWADA as a platform for transformative change in the region.

Read more: Trump could lead new Iran deal after Assad's fall: Sullivan

  • MWADA
  • Mohamad Javad Zarif
  • Middle East
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Iran

Most Read

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump tensions

US judges quietly consider private security amid Trump pressures

  • US & Canada
  • 25 May 2025
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive to a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington (AP)

Rift widens: Trump, Netanyahu clash in heated phone call over Iran

  • Politics
  • 26 May 2025
An Israeli army vehicle moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, May 29, 2025 (AP)

Hamas rejects Witkoff ceasefire plan, says alters terms

  • Politics
  • 29 May 2025
Spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announces a new operation against Ben Gurion Airport on May 29, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen announces successful hypersonic missile strike on Ben Gurion

  • Politics
  • 30 May 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
MIT bans class president who gave pro-Palestine speech
US & Canada

MIT bans class president over pro-Palestine speech

Arab ministers condemn Israel 'ban' on planned West Bank visit
Politics

Arab ministers condemn Israeli ban on planned West Bank visit

Major General Hu Gangfeng, Vice President, National Defense University, People's Liberation Army, China, leaves after a panel discussion during the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Politics

China blasts Hegseth, calls US top 'troublemaker' in Asia-Pacific

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: Reports
Technology

US activists demand shutdown of Musk's 'dirty' supercomputer: NBC News

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS