West Asian Security Order Must Be Based on the Denial of Dominance
TEHRAN (Defapress) - Abbas Zalzali, a journalist and media professor at the Lebanese International University, believes that any agreement between Tehran and Washington could be a turning point in the regional balance of power and the future path of West Asian security. He says that such an agreement would not only recognize Iran’s role as an indispensable power but could also create a new opportunity for Arab countries to distance themselves from political axes and move towards sustainable economic and security cooperation.
In this regard, the Defapress correspondent had a conversation with Abbas Zalzali, a journalist, expert, and professor of media at the Lebanese International University, which is detailed below:
At the beginning of his speech, he said: Any agreement between Tehran and Washington would in fact be a kind of recognition of Iran’s position as an insurmountable regional power. Such an agreement could bring the region to a more stable stage and reduce the possibility of new wars and conflicts. This situation also provides an opportunity for the Arab world to distance itself from policies based on tension and alignment and move towards broad economic and security cooperation with all parties, including Iran.
Zalzali continued: Recent years have shown that the US policy of “maximum pressure” has not achieved its intended goals. This policy has neither changed Iran’s political system, nor stopped the country’s nuclear program, nor reduced its regional influence. Despite unprecedented pressures, Iran was able to maintain and strengthen its military capabilities and continue to play an effective role in regional developments.
He added: The presence of US military bases in some Arab countries has not been able to create sustainable security; on the contrary, it has exacerbated tensions and instability. Regional security must be ensured by the countries of the region themselves, because reliance on foreign powers has exposed West Asia to global competition more than ever before.
The Lebanese journalist added: The path to achieving security independence for Arab countries begins with reducing dependence on foreign support and strengthening domestic capacities. Strengthening security and economic cooperation between regional countries and relying on common interests creates a more solid foundation than relying on volatile international alliances.
The media professor at the Lebanese International University added: There are vast areas for economic, trade, energy, transportation, and even environmental cooperation between Iran and Arab countries. Economic cooperation can reduce many political differences and provide a suitable platform for lasting peace and stability.
The Lebanese expert said: The experience of Iraq showed that a country can interact with several global and regional powers at the same time without being completely aligned with one. A policy of balance and open dialogue is the best way to protect national interests and prevent countries from becoming a competition arena for great powers.
He emphasized: The most important obstacles to rapprochement between Iran and the Arab world are rooted in years of misunderstanding, tension, and foreign interference. These challenges can be reduced through direct dialogue, respect for the sovereignty of countries, and joint cooperation. In the event of a decrease in the direct role of the United States, the new security order in the region should be formed on the basis of dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and the rejection of any domination; an order that replaces military competition with common interests and economic development.
