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According to international relations norms, regional powers pay special attention to developments in their vicinity since they are closely tied to their own interests and security. The Islamic Republic is not exempted from this regulation.
Following the settlement of the 12-year-old standoff on its nuclear program with the West, Iran, in an expected move, adopted a deft diplomacy to play a more positive role in providing the region, especially the Persian Gulf, Levant and its western and eastern neighbors with security.
Such diplomatic efforts are increasing amid unresolved crises in Yemen, Iraq and Syria or Afghanistan.
It is pertinent to bear in mind that other states have worked out costly military or semi-military solutions to end the crises and have not succeeded. Today, the ground is clearly prepared for a diplomatic solution.
Foreign Minister Zarif, during a recent regional tour, discussed developments with his counterparts.
It seems that crises in Yemen, Syria and Iraq have high priorities and powers involved in the developments in these countries are more or less the same.
In other words, Saudi Arabia as a regional country and Russia and the US as extra-regional powers are engaged in the crises of the three countries. Iran, as an influential regional power, is trying to help find a diplomatic solution to the crises.
Iran has expressed its readiness to interact and cooperate with these actors in an effort to help find diplomatic solutions to these crises. Tehran also plans to put a four-point peace proposal to the United Nations after consultations with regional powers to help end Syrias four-year-old civil war.
The plan includes enforcing ceasefire, holding elections and preparing the grounds for sending humanitarian aid to Syria. The proposal was discussed during Zarifs visit to the regional countries.
The meetings held with Syrian foreign minister in the presence of the Russian deputy foreign minister in Tehran as well as consultations between Saudi and Russian officials suggest that a new chapter has opened to negotiate a solution to the conflicts. At present, Iran is a leading country in interacting with different groups involved in the crises.
Tehran has good relations with most of Kurdish groups, part of moderate opposition forces in Syria as well as political and religious elites including Christians, the Alawites and the Muslim Brotherhood of Syria.
However, such relations need to be strengthened in order to help the groups reach a common consensus.
Now, we have to wait and see what reactions major players in Syria will give to Irans proposal.
In comparison with the past, it seems more likely that Irans plans will be welcomed by Europeans and even Americans. Likewise, if regional powers realize Irans goodwill, the conflicts and crises will be settled through regional cooperation.
Haqpanah is an analyst of Middle East affairs.
By IRNA
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