Iran’s top diplomat begins tour of Arab states

Iran’s top diplomat began a three-nation regional tour yesterday aimed at deepening ties with Arab neighbours following the conclusion of the Islamic Republic’s historic nuclear deal with world powers.

Saudi Arabia and other Sunni-ruled Arab states lining the Persian Gulf harbour deep suspicions about Iran’s intentions in the region. While the Western-allied Arab countries are cautiously hopeful the nuclear deal will reduce the chances Iran will acquire an atomic bomb, they also fear an easing of international pressure will embolden the Shi’ite powerhouse at a time of heightened sectarian tensions in the region.

Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif began his trip with a stop in Kuwait, where he received a red carpet airport greeting from his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah. He later held talks with the ruling emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, who paid his first visit as head of state to Iran last year.