US threats cited as cause of regional instability by Iranian president

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, amid growing tensions in the region. The US has deployed its aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, to the area following recent statements from US President Donald Trump that suggested an attack against Iran might be considered.

During the call, Pezeshkian expressed concerns about “threats” made by the US, stating they were aimed at disrupting regional security and would lead to instability. The Iranian president pointed out that economic pressure and external interference have failed to undermine the resilience of the Iranian people.

Prince Mohammed welcomed the dialogue with Pezeshkian and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability, security, and development. He emphasized the importance of solidarity among Islamic countries and stated that Riyadh rejects any form of aggression or escalation against Iran.

The call comes after Trump repeatedly threatened to attack Iran during a crackdown on antigovernment protests this month. Last week, he dispatched an “armada” towards Iran but said he hoped not to use it.

A commander from Iran’s IRGC issued a warning to neighboring countries, stating that if their soil, sky, or waters are used against Iran, they will be considered hostile. This warning follows recent tensions between Israel and Iran, which have led to increased military activity in the region.

US officials have stated that Washington is open to negotiations with Iran, but talks have not resumed since a 12-day war in June last year. A US official said that the terms of any potential deal are known to both sides. However, experts believe that the odds of Iran surrendering to the US’s demands are low.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned that a strike on Iran could affect the region as a whole, and that regional countries are aware of this risk.

Source: Al Jazeera