Iran’s Military Power Serves Regional Security: President

“Tehran has always supported the settlement of problems and differences via dialogue; and Iran’s military power is also for defense alone and is firm backing for the region’s security,” President Rouhani said at a meeting with Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said in Muscat on Wednesday.

He then denounced Iranophobia as a plot hatched by countries outside the region that are the mutual enemies of Islam and Arabs, saying responsibility and regional cooperation is the basic approach to ensuring security in the Middle East.

Pointing to Iran’s assistance for regional nations in the fight against terrorism, President Rouhani said Iran will definitely keep offering help to any country requesting assistance in the war on terrorism.

He further highlighted the ample opportunities for cooperation between Tehran and Muscat, saying that closer banking and financial ties will accelerate collaboration in all fields.

Hailing Iran and Oman as the “historic guardians of the Strait of Hormuz” as a safe and free route for international trade, the president added that cooperation between the two countries greatly contributes to regional stability and development.

For his part, Sultan Qaboos voiced his country’s willingness to boost political, economic and cultural ties with Iran.

He also commended Iran for its readiness to broaden ties with its neighbors, saying closer interaction between the Islamic Republic and the regional nations serves the region’s development, security and stability.

Accompanied by a delegation of Iranian ministers, advisers and representatives of the private sector, President Rouhani arrived in Oman on Wednesday at the invitation of the Omani sultan.

The Iranian delegation Oman for Kuwait later in the day.