Iran parliament speaker: US military presence undermines regional security

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has criticised the United States’ military presence in the Middle East, stating that it does not contribute to regional stability and should come to an end.

Speaking to state television, Qalibaf argued that security in the region should be shaped by local countries rather than external powers, Caliber.Az reports via Al Jazeera.

“The US military presence in the Middle East does not bring security,” he said, adding that regional stability must be established by countries within the region.

Qalibaf further asserted that the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is set to evolve independently of Washington’s plans.

“The face and order of the Middle East will change, but not according to US plans. We, the Islamic countries of the region, will establish regional order and security in the economic and security dimensions,” Qalibaf said.

He also reiterated Tehran’s longstanding position that U.S. forces should withdraw from the region.

By Sabina Mammadli