Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, called for the participation of the Islamic Republic in a regional security system in the Persian Gulf and said that Tehran’s presence in such a framework could be a practical step toward ensuring regional stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov said that Moscow had proposed more than 20 years ago that the countries of the region discuss a common security concept for the Persian Gulf.

He added that the normalization of relations between Tehran and Riyadh, through China’s initiative and Russia’s encouragement, has provided the grounds for changing regional conditions.

Lavrov also described the defense agreement of Mecca among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye as a framework for “collective security and a defense alliance,” and said that other countries could join it.

The Russian foreign minister said that if agreement is reached on the terms for the participation of the Islamic Republic in such a structure, this action could be the most practical step toward realizing Moscow’s proposed regional security plan. He added that Russia is not seeking to play a leading role in this process.