Tehran: President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said Iran is ready to discussregional security issues with its Gulf Arab neighbours as long as foreignpowers are kept out of any potential talks.

“We don´t need foreigners to guarantee the security of our region,” Rouhanisaid in a speech broadcast on state television.

“When it comes to regional security arrangements, we are ready to talk toour neighbours and friends, without the presence of foreigners,” he added.

“We are, have been and always will be good neighbours,” Rouhani said,addressing Gulf Arab countries including Saudi Arabia.

Rouhani was speaking in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas overlookingthe Gulf.

Western powers and their Gulf Arab allies say Iran is a destabilisinginfluence in the Middle East.

Tehran, however, has regularly called for dialogue with its neighbours freeof any foreign interference.

Rouhani´s comments came a day after the United States and three Europeanallies condemned Iran after the United Nations found Tehran had violatedthe arms embargo on Yemen by failing to block supplies of missiles anddrones to Huthi rebels.

The condemnation came after Russia vetoed a British-drafted resolutionrenewing sanctions on Yemen and citing “particular concern” about areport´s findings on Iran.

Rouhani paid tribute to “Russia´s just and intelligent stance”. APP/AFP