Iranian senior military official Brigadier General Seyyid Mecid Ebn-e-Reza, in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Güler, emphasized that regional security should be freed from dependence on foreign powers and proposed a security alliance composed of Muslim countries.
Ebn-e-Reza said that an alliance covering countries such as Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt would contribute to regional stability. The Iranian commander stated that the ceasefire agreement signed with the US was concluded at the request of friendly and neighboring countries to restore regional stability. Stressing that they do not trust the other side due to Washington's history of not keeping its word, Ebn-e-Reza noted that the Iranian armed forces are ready to respond proportionally to any violation.
The Iranian official condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. He argued that US support has prolonged the survival of the Zionist regime and emboldened it. Ebn-e-Reza warned that the recent US statements about opening a new front against Hezbollah could expose the entire region to new security risks. He said that Israel's plans to create so-called security zones in Syria and Lebanon herald a wider crisis.
"Security is an internal matter and dependence on extra-regional powers cannot create lasting security," Ebn-e-Reza said, adding that Iran is ready to continue joint consultations with Turkey and other regional countries to establish new and sustainable security arrangements.
Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, for his part, during the call conveyed his condolences for Iran's late leader, military commanders, civilians, and the schoolchildren who lost their lives in Minab. Güler stated that they support the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the continuation of diplomacy.
Güler also noted that Turkey supports the territorial integrity of its neighbors and is ready to expand cooperation with Iran on counterterrorism, border security, and regional issues. He stressed that regional rapprochement is the only path to lasting peace.
