A former Lebanese foreign minister said the government of President Hassan Rouhani has provided an opportunity for promotion of relations among Islamic countries and an improvement in the situation in the Muslim world.
Adnan Mansour made the remarks in an interview with IRNA published on Sunday.
"The performance of the Islamic Republic of Iran during Hassan Rouhani's term and under the supervision of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has revived hopes both in and outside Iran," he noted.
He said relying on "solid values" and "unshakable principles" of the Islamic Republic, the Rouhani government has been following a "patient diplomacy, extending a hand of friendship to all countries and neighbors, except the Zionist regime."
As a result of such diplomacy, he said, Iran will certainly achieve favorable results in the international arena in the future.
Mansour said the foreign policy of the Rouhani government, especially as reflected in the diplomacy of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, can serve as a model for all Muslim and Arab countries.
Hailing the Iranian minister's record, he said he had known Zarif since he served as Lebanon's ambassador in Tehran (1999-2007). "A reason for Zarif's success is his familiarity with the approaches, strategies, policies, and thoughts of western countries, especially the United States."
Deal Would Reshape Region
The Lebanese politician said once the Islamic Republic clinches an agreement with the major powers over its nuclear activities, the Middle East will take "a new shape" as the deal will bring Arab countries closer to Iran.
On the future of Iran's relations with Arab countries, he said sealing a nuclear accord will open a new chapter in relations between Iran and Arab states. "A new round of dialogue to build confidence will start to help solve the crises in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon."
He said as a consequence of the agreement, gradual developments will occur in various areas such as culture, economy, finance, investment and tourism, which could help serve the interests of both Iran and the region.
Mansour said the reason behind the hostility of Israel and some western powers toward nuclear talks is that they fear the prospect of a bright future which has been depicted for Iran in case the negotiations bear fruit.
"It is pretty difficult for western powers, the global hegemonic powers, the Zionist regime as well as their client states in the region to accept Iran as a strong and integrated country that maintains its political, economic, cultural and military independence," he noted.
Expressing surprise and regret over the fact that some Arab countries have preferred serving the interests of the occupying power to maintaining close relations with Iran, he said, "It is a pity they cannot distinguish between their friends and enemies."
Addressing the Arab states that have distanced themselves from Tehran, he asked, "Isn't Iran, as a regional power, defending the rights of the oppressed nations, especially the Palestinians? Isn't it fighting with the Zionists who have occupied Arab territories?"
Mansour warned regional countries of the fact that any effort by Muslim and Arab countries to achieve and maintain independence upsets the bullying powers and Israel.
