CAIRO – Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit said Saturday that Iran seeks to control the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab either directly or through militias which it finances.
He referred to continued threat posed by Houthis on navigation in the Red Sea.
He made the remarks during Rome Med-Mediterranean Dialogues which is held on December 3-4 with the participation of a large number of high-ranking officials, experts and men of economy of Mediterranean countries, a well-placed AL source said according to MENA.
Abul Gheit said the stability of such strategic straights is vital for international economy, particularly because they are responsible for transportation of petroleum products, adding that maintaining security of navigation is an international priority.
Abul Gheit also talked about the Gulf security and the threats posed by Iran on maritime navigation.
He added that Iran’s tendency for hegemony and interference in the Arab world affairs is behind the difficulty of establishing a security system in the Gulf based on cooperation and prosperity among people.
He added that several initiatives were launched in this respect, but the major problem is the lack of confidence due to Iran’s policies which threaten its neighbors.
Abul Gheit added that Iran’s possession of a nuclear weapon opens the door for armament race in the region, voicing hope that ongoing negotiations would succeed in getting Iran to give up this target in order to avoid security deterioration.
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