Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday called for greater reliance on dialogue, cooperation, and multilateral institutions for sustainable security in the Middle East, stating that such security cannot be dictated from outside the region. Speaking virtually at Indonesia’s Global Town Hall 2026, Araghchi argued that ignoring international law and the failure of international institutions to hold violators accountable undermine credibility.
Araghchi emphasized that sustainable security can be achieved through dialogue, trust-building, cooperation, and mutual respect among regional countries, rather than through the military presence of foreign powers. He also stated that Tehran has started regional negotiations to end the "aggressive" US war against Iran and seeks friendly relations with its neighbors.
In Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Araghchi that China is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Iran and safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Wang urged all parties to take effective measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stated that the Middle East's existing security architecture is inadequate and needs reform. China does not want to see regional tensions spill over further into Yemen and the Red Sea.
Iran also condemned a US-led regional security conference in Bahrain, convened by the US Central Command (CentCom) with military leaders from 12 nations, aimed at fortifying the Middle East's unified air defence umbrella and securing vital maritime shipping lanes. Araghchi argued that Western intervention does not bring stability and that regional security must be managed internally without outside interference.
