Rouhani says Iran ‘ready’ to talk to Arab neighbours

TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said Iran is ready to discuss regional security issues with its Gulf Arab neighbours as long as foreign powers are kept out of any potential talks. “We don’t need foreigners to guarantee the security of our region,” Rouhani said in a speech broadcast on state television. “When it comes to regional security arrangements, we are ready to talk to our neighbours and friends, without the presence of foreigners,” he added. “We are, have been and always will be good neighbours,” Rouhani said, addressing Gulf Arab countries including Iran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia. Rouhani was speaking in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas overlooking the Gulf — a flashpoint of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.