Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged Middle Eastern countries to take responsibility for their own security, asserting that the region does not require the United States to act as a regional policeman.
Pezeshkian made these remarks on Saturday during the BRICS summit in India, coinciding with escalating tensions between Iran and the US.
In a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, he emphasized that regional nations are best positioned to safeguard their territorial integrity and security.
"We do not need a regional policeman. The territorial integrity and security of the region can only be guaranteed by its main players and the countries that comprise it," said Pezeshkian.
His statements come as Iran and the United States remain embroiled in a protracted conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a critical point of tension.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital route for energy shipments. Any disruption in this waterway poses significant concerns for global energy markets and trade.
Iran has consistently advocated for regional countries to lead security efforts instead of depending on foreign powers.
Despite this, the United States maintains a substantial military presence in the Middle East and continues to engage in regional security matters.
Attention will now focus on developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the broader conflict between Iran and the United States.
