Iran Says Regional Countries Can Ensure Security Without US Involvement

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that countries in the region can maintain peace and security through mutual cooperation without relying on the United States or other external powers.

Speaking at an event marking a local holiday on Thursday, Pezeshkian called for stronger ties among neighbouring countries, stressing their shared interests, religious bonds and regional solidarity.

“We are brothers with all the countries around us, and we are all Muslims. Therefore, we can help one another and ensure the security of our region,” he said, according to a statement issued by the Iranian presidency.

The Iranian president argued that regional countries did not need an American military presence to safeguard their security.

“Regional countries do not need the US to come from the other side of the world under the pretext of providing security,” he added.

Pezeshkian also criticised Washington's military spending and accused the United States of violating international norms while presenting its military presence as essential for regional stability.

His remarks come amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington following the outbreak of conflict on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran. Tehran subsequently retaliated with strikes against Israel and locations in Arab countries that it identified as hosting American military positions.

Iran has repeatedly called for regional countries to play a greater role in safeguarding stability, while the United States maintains a military presence in the Middle East as part of its broader regional security arrangements.