Ex-IRGC chief calls for regional bloc with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye

Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a military adviser to the country’s Supreme Leader, said the current confrontation has entered a stage of direct military conflict.

Speaking in an interview with Al Mayadeen published on Wednesday, May 6, Rezaei accused Iran’s opponents of attempting “an unsuccessful military coup” in the country and warned that Tehran could suspend talks with Washington.

“They attempted an unsuccessful military coup in Iran, and we could also halt all negotiations with the United States,” Rezaei said.

He added that Iran was attempting to act within international norms despite what he described as unlawful actions by its adversaries.

“We are trying to remain within international rules and norms, while the enemy acts outside them,” he said.

Rezaei also called for closer regional cooperation involving Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

“We, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, must continue moving together toward the creation of an independent regional structure,” he added.

By Tamilla Hasanova