Iran: Anti-Terrorism Measures Should Respect Countries’ Sovereignty


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said actions that violate countries’ sovereignty in the name of fighting terrorism would undermine regional peace and security.

“Measures that are taken in the name of fighting terrorism and the ISIL but violate the principles (of respecting the sovereignty, impendence and territorial integrity of other countries) run counter to the regional peace, stability and security,” Amir Abdollahian said in a meeting with Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said.

He was referring to the air strikes launched by the so-called anti-ISIL coalition, which have been criticized as being ineffective.

Since September, the US and its allies have been carrying out air raids against the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) targets in Iraq and Syria.

Amir Abdollahian further said the countries of the region are facing common threats like terrorism and that the only way to confront these threats is constant cooperation and consultations among the regional states.

As regards Iran-Oman ties, the Iranian diplomat hailed the growing trend of relations between the two states, and said it can be a model for relations among countries in the region.

The Omani official, for his part, highlighted Iran’s positive and constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said added that Iranian and Omani officials’ reciprocal confidence is a precious capital that should be used on the path toward further development of bilateral ties.