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.

Iran agreed earlier this month to limits on its nuclear program in exchange for broad sanctions relief. The curbs are aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining an atomic bomb, something it denies it is seeking.

Zarif’s trip includes stops in Qatar and Iraq. He is briefing officials in all three countries on the nuclear accord and discussing ways to improve cooperation and fight terrorism, according to Iranian state-linked media.

Iran shares control of a vast underwater natural gas field with Qatar.

In Iraq, Tehran has close ties with senior government leaders and Shiite militias battling the Islamic State group, which has seized a third of the country.

Zarif said his country stands with its Arab neighbours — who, unlike Iran, are part of the US-led coalition against the IS group — in the fight against extremism.

Growing discord with the Gulf island nation of Bahrain threatens to overshadow Zarif’s outreach.

Bahrain has announced it was recalling its ambassador to Iran for consultations following what it called “hostile statements made by Iranian officials toward Bahrain,” according to the official Bahrain News Agency.

Bahraini authorities also announced they have broken up an attempt to smuggle weapons into the kingdom, with two arrests including a man who officials say received military training in Iran.