Iran Deputy Foreign Minister says Gulf security should be maintained by regional states

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said security in the Persian Gulf should be jointly maintained by countries in the region, according to a statement cited by China Central Television and carried by Odaily. He said Iran supports resolving regional security issues without interference from external powers. Gharibabadi also said Iran has submitted and placed on record with the United Nations Security Council some evidence related to attacks on Iran launched from the territory of other countries. The material, he said, includes a small number of direct attack incidents. He added that, based on information currently available, countries in the region have come to clearly recognize that an expansion of the conflict and the continuation of military operations would seriously threaten their own security. In his view, conditions are now in place for Gulf countries to resume security dialogue.