Iran: US military presence is source of regional insecurity

TEHRAN, June 26 (YPA) – Iran rejected a joint US–GCC statement on Friday, describing it as provocative and irresponsible, and arguing that US military presence in the Gulf contributes to regional insecurity and tensions.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said Tehran dismisses the statement, stressing that regional security should be based on cooperation among regional states without external interference.

It reiterated that operations related to the Strait of Hormuz are conducted in coordination with Oman under existing understandings.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran is the “most committed” country to collective regional security, arguing that reliance on the United States by some Gulf states undermines stability.

He also questioned Gulf states’ positions on regional conflicts and arms issues, including Israeli strikes in the region and Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran considers its defensive military capabilities a legitimate right and a key element of regional stability, adding that national security and defensive means remain non-negotiable “red lines.”