Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mousavi replied to a question about recent remarks by an Emirati official who said the Arab country does not want a further escalation in the region.

“The Islamic Republic has always underlined the importance of political dialogue and negotiation as the only solution to the region's problems and has used all its power to create a space for dialogue between regional countries and has been a pioneer in this regard,” the Iranian spokesman stated.

Mousavi further pointed to the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE), Iran’s initiative for regional peace put forward to the Persian Gulf littoral states and Iraq, and said this plan insists on regional nations’ security based on adherence to common principles, including non-use of force, respect for the sovereignty of nations, avoiding interference in the internal affairs of nations, and the right of self-determination.

President Hassan Rouhani presented the initiative while delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly in September and invited all regional countries to participate in it.