DOHA (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 29th May, 2019) Iran is still waiting for the Persian Gulf states' response to its suggestion to sign a nonaggression pact and hopes that detailed discussions will follow, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Sputnik.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif invited the Gulf countries on May 26 to sign a nonaggression pact amid a tense situation in the region.
"Another idea that we have just presented is to go for a nonaggression pact between countries in the Persian Gulf ... This is now an idea in principle. There are obviously details but we have not discussed this yet as we are waiting for reaction of others in the region ... Iran is fully prepared to go for any confidence-building measures to establish good, constructive and friendly relations with each and every country in the area," Araghchi said.
He stressed that Iran was concerned by US military buildup in the Persian Gulf, saying that this could create new challenges.
"The initiative was just introduced. Obviously, everyone needs some time and space to work on it and to reflect on it. We have not seen any response yet ... But it was just introduced, only two days ago. We have not seen any negative reaction and this is good. We are looking forward to have more discussions with the countries in the Persian Gulf," Araghchi said.
The minister specified that he had raised the matter during his recent visits to Oman and Kuwait.
The United States boosted its military presence in the Persian Gulf earlier in May, citing alleged threat from Iran. Washington deployed bomber task force and an aircraft carrier to the region.
