Iran seeks defense alliance with neighbors to oust U.S.
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, April 19, 2000
NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran is urging its Gulf neighbors to sign defense pacts
that would eventually end the U.S. military presence in the region.
Diplomatic sources said after an initial rebuff, Gulf states appear
ready to consider an appeal by the Islamic regime to engage in a new
security regime that would make Teheran the policeman of the area. So far,
none of the Gulf countries have acknowledged to signing such a pact with
Teheran.
Iran claims Oman has signed such an agreement. But Omani State Minister
for Foreign Affairs Yusef Bin Alawi denied Iranian reports that the emirate
signed a defense agreement with Teheran.
The London-based Al Hayat daily reported on Tuesday that Saudi leaders
are considering a defense pact with Teheran. They said the Saudi Cabinet is
studying drafts of such a treaty. So far, Saudi Arabia has allowed Teheran
to send a defense attache to the Iranian embassy in Teheran.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry-aligned Iran Daily urged Teheran's Gulf
neighbors to reject Israeli and U.S. pressure and form an alliance with
Iran. "Now is the time to get into the phase beyond promotion of mutual
trust," the daily said. "The grounds are now ripe for adopting joint
long-term policies to expand regional stability and security by forging
multilateral cooperation in all domains."
Wednesday, April 19, 2000
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