Iran says 'numerous' neighbours seek new security ties amid ongoing war with US

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Saturday (August 22) said Tehran had received many messages from neighbouring countries seeking new regional security arrangements and greater economic cooperation. He said the messages came as countries in the region reassessed their security concerns following the US actions.

"We’ve received numerous messages from neighbouring countries about shaping new security arrangements and economic cooperation in the region," Ghalibaf wrote on X.

"The United States put the security of every single one of its allies at such risk through bullying and pure disregard for their interests for the sake of Israel that they briefly saw their entire existence on the line," he said, adding, “A homegrown, independent order is what will actually deliver peace and security.”

However, Ghalibaf did not name the countries that had contacted Iran. He also did not provide details about the proposed arrangements or evidence of the reported outreach.

Also Read: 'Contrary to law': US Federal judge strikes down Trump administration’s 75-country visa ban

Iran pushes for new regional order

The remarks echoed comments Ghalibaf made during his visit to Iraq this week. He had said Tehran wanted to speed up the creation of a "new regional order" without foreign involvement.

His Iraq visit came as Baghdad faces US pressure to disarm Iran-backed armed groups. Iraq is also seeking Tehran's approval for its oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

This statement comes against the backdrop of Washington preparing to announce what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran.

The Iranian parliamentary speaker, who leads Tehran's mediated negotiations with Washington, acknowledged the growing economic pressure this week. He warned that Iran "won’t endure" if its people remain hungry and the economy stays strangled.

In a related development, Tehran has allowed some Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz after repeated requests from Baghdad, Iranian state media reported on Saturday.

"Despite being subjected to the most severe military measures and insecurity created in the strait due to the hostile actions of the United States, Tehran has granted permission to many Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz over the past six months," the IRNA news agency said.

Iraq had sought permission through several channels, including during Ghalibaf's visit to the country, according to the report.

Tehran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East war began on February 28. Tehran requires vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees before using the waterway.