Iran Takes This move to Try to Defuse Gulf Tensions

Iran has launched a “regional shuttle diplomacy” effort following the US’ move to send an aircraft carrier and other military assets to the Middle East amid escalating Washington-Tehran tensions, Bloomberg reports.

Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif met Iraqi counterpart Mohammed al-Hakim in Baghdad, while Zarif’s deputy Abbas Araghchi kicked off a tour of Gulf Arab neighbouring countries, including Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

Speaking to reporters after talks with al-Hakim, Zarif specifically called for more “practical actions” to be taken to preserve the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Additionally, Zarif signalled Iran’s resolve to tackle possible military or economic aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Zarif also indicated Tehran’s readiness to bolster balanced ties with its immediate neighbours in the Gulf, adding that Iran proposed signing a non-aggression pact with these countries.