Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged the inclusion of Iran in a regional security framework for the Gulf, describing its participation as an important step toward achieving stability in the region. He recalled that Russia had proposed such a system more than two decades ago, involving Iran and the Arab Gulf states in discussions on regional security, mutual concerns and confidence-building measures.
Lavrov said Russia had supported dialogue among regional countries and suggested involving the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. He also noted that relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia had improved through China’s mediation and Russia’s encouragement, although regional tensions later increased following US and Israeli military action against Iran.
The Russian minister also pointed to the Mecca Agreement proposed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye as a possible framework for collective security and defence. He said the framework could eventually include countries such as Egypt and Algeria, while allowing Iran to participate under agreed conditions. Lavrov stressed that Russia does not seek a leadership role in such a security arrangement.
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