The path toward resolving heightened tensions in the region passes through inclusive cooperation on security issues, not calling emergency meetings and forming new coalitions against Iran, says an expert.
"Instead of special summits aimed at forging new alliances, our region needs a joint security system with the participation of all regional countries to make the presence of foreign forces unjustified," Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri wrote in a recent article published by the Iranian Diplomacy website.
He was referring to urgent meetings of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, which have been called by Saudi Arabia to discuss recent "aggressions and their consequences" in Mecca on May 30.
Tensions have soared in the Persian Gulf, with the United States deploying an aircraft carrier and bombers over what it claims are unverified threats from Iran.
US-ally Riyadh, which has said it does not want a war, has accused Tehran of ordering recent drone strikes on two oil pumping stations in the kingdom, claimed by Yemen's Houthi group. Iran has denied the allegations.
Two days earlier, four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, were sabotaged off the coast of the UAE. The UAE has not blamed anyone for the tanker sabotage operation, pending an investigation. No one has claimed responsibility.
Mazaheri, a university professor and president of the Cultural Institute of the Economic Cooperation Organization, maintains that a convergence of views among all regional countries on security matters can help make the region prosper.
Domino Effect
The expert said recent incidents exposed the "vulnerability" of Arab governments to ensure oil supply security despite their claims, adding that no one would benefit from a tense situation in the Middle East.
"Now an atmosphere of insecurity and fear has been created in the region, whose fallout will hit all the countries in the region and the world."
Mazaheri noted that the increase in shipping insurance costs due to recent incidents affects many countries and said Iraq and Turkey have been negatively impacted by the latest developments.
He said the fact that Exxon Mobil has evacuated all of its foreign staff from Iraq's West Qurna 1 Oilfield has sent a warning signal to potential investors who can help the Arab country's economy get back on its feet after it defeated the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group with Iran’s assistance.
The evacuation came just days after the United States withdrew non-essential staff from its embassy in Baghdad, alleging threats from Iran to its interests.
The expert says the current situation could also have negative implications for security in Turkey, which has made great investments in recent years to boost its tourism sector.
“All these issues show clearly that security is like a chain and is only as strong as its weakest link,” he said.
"A secure Middle East and Persian Gulf can contribute to the development and economic prosperity of all countries, while insecurity in any part of the region will have a domino effect on the entire region."
Mazaheri also said that countries in Iran's neighborhood, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, should take these issues into consideration instead of trying to form new coalitions.
