Shiite Iran Moves to Improve Relations with Sunni Gulf States; Condemns Chemical Use

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif used the Munich Security Conference on Sunday as a platform to reiterate calls for the Sunni Gulf States to work alongside his Shiite Iran to address “anxieties” in the region. But his words, which came in response to a question asking whether Iran would consider regional dialogue that included Israel, left no doubt that the Jewish state would not be part of the mix when he said Iran is willing to work with “countries we call brothers in Islam.” Immediately prior to the Munich parley, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made visits to Oman and Kuwait bringing that same message. Iran is under fire from the Gulf Cooperation Council for using sectarianism to build an independent sphere of influence in the region. Tehran’s leaders blame Saudi Arabia, its main rival, for the regional discord.