The re-election of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani does not appear to have gained much interest in Arab countries, and for good reason. Arab nations are more concerned about Iran’s destructive foreign policy of fomenting division and fanning sectarianism in the Arab world. While touted as a “moderate” in Iran and the West, Hassan Rouhani has not been able to stop Iran’s meddling in the Arab world. That is why the response from Arab leaders has been largely muted. When asked by reporters about his opinion on the matter on Saturday, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir simply replied, “It’s an internal Iranian affair”.
Arab leaders, perhaps feel less anxious now, as US President Donald Trump has renewed America’s historic relationship and backing to Saudi Arabia and Gulf states in light of former president Barack Obama’s outreach to Iran, which disappointed and angered Arab leaders.
Rouhani, known to be a ‘pragmatist’ at home, faces serious challenges in his second term, with a less-than friendly US administration, which has promised to step up its support to a Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen fighting Iran-backed rebels. If the new Iranian president is serious about regional ties, Tehran should end its financial support and weapons supply to Al Houthis, who since 2014, have ousted the legitimate government of Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi and sparked a brutal civil war that has killed thousands in Yemen.
Gulf states have long stated that they wanted to renew ‘brotherly’ relations with their Persian neighbour, but it would first have to stop supporting terrorist groups. Iran should end its destructive policies in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon and accept the offer of dialogue extended by Gulf nations to turn a new page in relations.
