Iran Proposes Joint Security Initiative to Regional Neighbors

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on neighboring countries to establish joint security arrangements, asserting this initiative stems from war experience and the necessity of no Islamic land becoming an aggression launchpad. He explained his country faced war by the U.S. and the Zionist entity during diplomatic talks, stressing Iran defended itself, not initiating conflict, and affirmed Palestine's defense as a duty. At the "Islamic Unity Conference," Pezeshkian stated Iran is enduring an imposed war while seeking a diplomatic solution. He cited the martyrdom of leaders, officials, citizens, and the targeting of cities and infrastructure, affirming Iran's legitimate right to firm self-defense. The President affirmed Iran is not weak and knows how to defend itself, stressing this defense doesn't mean hostility to neighbors. He warned against any Islamic land becoming an aggression launchpad or any state seeking security by destabilizing its neighbor. He reiterated the call to neighbors for joint security arrangements, stemming from war experience, not weakness. He also affirmed defending Palestine and rejecting occupation is a duty, citing the Islamic Republic's four-decade support for the Palestinian cause. In a related context, the President addressed Islamic unity, clarifying it does not mean obstructing justice; desired unity rests on truth, justice, and mutual responsibility. He reviewed the Islamic world's economic reality, noting its two billion inhabitants account for only 8.3% of the global economy. He indicated the 57 OIC member states, spanning Southeast Asia to Africa, possess strategic locations, energy resources, youth, and a large market. Their combined economies reached $9.2 trillion in 2024, yet constitute only 8.3% of the global economy. Intra-bloc exports do not exceed 19%, meaning over 80% of their exports still go to markets outside the organization.