Hostile Players Trying to Sow Discord Among Regional States

Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said enemies, particularly the United States and Israel, are working actively in the region to sow discord among regional states, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of such plots.

Vahidi made the remarks in reaction to recent developments along Iran’s northwestern borders and the recent remarks by Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliev.

He said Iran’s foreign policy is based on expansion of the best possible relationship with its neighboring countries, adding that “enemies had better avoid any act of adventurism against Iran.”

Pointing to the Iranian Army Ground Force’s recent military exercise near the northwestern borders, the interior minister said the drill aimed to display the armed forces’ prowess and convey a message of peace and security to friends and a message of readiness and power to enemies.  

The Army’s Ground Force held military exercises codenamed Fatehan-e Khaybar (Conquerors of Khaybar) in the northwestern part of the country, attended by armored, artillery, drone, and electronic warfare units under air cover provided by helicopter gunships.

Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev has criticized the exercises. Tehran has hit back by saying that holding drills was part of the national sovereignty, warning that Israel’s anti-Iran activities in neighboring countries will not be tolerated.

Tehran has been suspicious of Azerbaijan’s links to the Israeli regime, whose supply of drones and other weapons helped Baku gain the upper hand in the war with Armenia last year.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei last week said the interference of foreign actors in the region is a source of discord and damage, calling on the regional states to follow the example of Iran for power and rationality.

“The interference of foreigners in the region is a source of discord and damage. All issues and incidents must be resolved without foreign interference and the countries of the region should follow the example of Iran and the armed forces of the Islamic Republic for power and rationality.”