As soon as marathon talks with the countries of the P5+1 group were finished, which resulted in the signing of the final agreement on the nuclear program, Iran expressed an intention to hold talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The media said that the talks will be held during the next month and will be about overcoming differences on the situation in Syria and Yemen, according to Assistant Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. He considered that the development of a common policy regarding these two cases is “necessary in the fight against Daesh.”
Obviously, Tehran believes that the nuclear agreement provides a basis for the framework of new cooperation with regional neighbors, and this is theoretically true. But past experiences and the legacy of the Gulf-Iranian relations show the opposite, because the cooperation has conditions and requirements that may be absent from the cross-Gulf talk space at the moment due to Tehran’s policies and expansionist ambitions of sectarian character.
Iran’s intentions regarding the dialogue with its Gulf neighbors are questionable because Tehran did not respect neighborliness in many occasions. Iran insists on the old style in dealing with the GCC countries; it does not expressly recognize the GCC and deals with its members separately. For years and decades now, Tehran has preferred to monopolize bilateral relations with individual countries. Iran wants to forge new Gulf security arrangements beyond the institutional role of the GCC, undermining this role to integrate itself in a new regional institutional framework. In his recent visit to the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif only visited Kuwait and Qatar.
The Iranian intentions towards achieving regional detente are also questionable because Tehran still adheres to expansionist plans that led to regional crises. Iranian officials insist on supporting so-called Tehran’s friends and the oppressed in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Bahrain. If the old policy that fueled the crises persists, on what basis could Iran engage in neighborhood dialogue? You are an ideologically intransigent sectarianist, and you want to start a dialogue? How can you do that in a climate of ill will and interference in the affairs of your neighbors? Tehran is talking stability but Foreign Minister Javad Zarif adds that his country would continue arming regional allies. He recently said that “if it was not for the Islamic Republic’s assistance, a lot of capitals would have fallen under the control of Daesh.”
The position of the GCC countries, especially the United Arab Emirates, in the fight against terrorist groups, especially Daesh, is clear and unquestionable by regional or international actors. Still, we must not turn a blind eye on Iran’s violations of the sovereignty of States and threatening community cohesion, unity and stability under the pretext of fighting Daesh or others groups. Extremism, sectarianism and factionalism are concomitant; it is not through sectarianism that extremism should be countered, as they are two sides of the same coin and either one threatens the regional and global security.
Iran is planning something and we must read between the lines. The alleged intention to push towards security should be regarded with skepticism, given that Iran continues to intervene in the affairs of Bahrain. Ministry of the Interior in the kingdom announced that two policemen were killed and five people in connection with a bombing last July were arrested and accused of having links with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. The interference and some pro-Iran Bahraini Shi’ite groups have been fueling internal tensions in Bahrain in recent years.
As they have nothing to hide, the GCC states will probably engage in the talks with Iran. Despite the regional situation, the GCC is not in a position of weakness strategically. The Council will not allow Iran to rise to the scene of world politics and be engaged in flippant talks just to leave the scene of the political action to Iran. Before any meetings or negotiations, more coordination and unity of positions between the GCC countries is required. everyone should be aware of Tehran’s real intentions and schemes to expand influence and further diplomatic victories after the signing of the nuclear deal, especially now that major powers’ scramble for Iran after the lifting of international sanctions on its economy, ignoring Iran’s constant involvement in proxy wars in several Arab countries. Several international parties magnify the threat of Daesh, using it as an excuse to implement schemes for shared interests in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. Ali Akbar Velayati, the international affairs adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said that “Tehran’s support for its allies in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen will be stronger.” Such provocative positions are not one of a State that is responsible and seeking to establish security and observe international law.
Throughout sporadic rounds of talks with Western countries over its nuclear program in the past two decades, Iran seamlessly managed to get concession after concession. The initiative for dialogue with neighboring countries will not deviate from this norm. Some think Iran wants to dispel the atmosphere of anxiety pervading in Gulf capitals since the signing of the nuclear deal. However, Iran has become aware of the recent changes in the regional balance of power, and is convinced that it is about to lose long-time influence in Yemen and Syria, hence the focus of Iran on these particular issues.
Iran is trying to wipe its slate clean to overcome international isolation and earn a new regional role, but the GCC will not be fooled by that. Tehran should understand the new regional reality it will have to face, instead of talking down pointlessly and causing more regional turmoil.
