Tasnim � Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan dismissed any need for presence of foreign powers in the Middle East, saying regional countries can ensure the security of the region

�The countries of the region can resolve issues and problems through dialogue and interaction,� Brigadier General Pourdastan said Wednesday in a meeting in Tehran with Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman Marshal Matar bin Ali al-Obaidani.

They have the capability to establish security in the region without the presence of outsiders, he added.

Pourdastan further said that Iran�s defense doctrine is based on deterrence and, therefore, expansion of the country�s military power is not aimed at aggression.

During the meeting, the two senior commanders also explored avenues for deepening and elevation of bilateral cooperation and military relations between Iran and Oman.

The commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman, who arrived in Tehran on Monday, has also met with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi.

Iran and Oman have developed strong political relations in recent years, with their top officials making regular reciprocal visits.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman have also held several joint naval drills in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman over the past years.