Kuwait called on Iran to resolve crises by intensifying consultations and dialogue, while Tehran renewed its warning of the impact of US sanctions against it on regional security.
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Sabah emphasized, during a meeting with visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the importance of maintaining consultations and meetings between neighboring countries and the need for dialogue to settle crises.
Araqchi delivered to the Kuwaiti minister a letter from his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
While the details of the letter were not disclosed, the Iranian official was quoted as saying that Tehran welcomed dialogue with Gulf states.
“Iran welcomes dialogue with any Gulf states to reach balanced relations and a system based on mutual respect and common interests,” he wrote on Twitter before arriving in Kuwait.
He also denied “any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States,” the German news agency reported.
Araqchi arrived in Kuwait as part of a Gulf tour that began in Oman and ends in Qatar to discuss the recent tension in the region.
“The US sanctions policy is endangering the security of the region,” he was quoted as saying. “Iran is ready for dialogue and constructive cooperation with the countries of the region.”
In earlier remarks, Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid al-Jarallah said that contacts were underway to start new negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas sharply criticized Zarif’s recent proposal to Gulf states to sign a non-aggression pact with them.
Its headline read, “We are not that Naive, Iran!”. It also listed Tehran’s record in meddling in the affairs of Kuwait and the Gulf.
Zarif had made the suggestion on Sunday during a visit to Iraq.
