IRNA - Iran's former nuclear negotiator Hossein Mousavian underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never harbored hostility toward the Persian Gulf Littoral States.

Mousavian made the remarks addressing a panel hosted by the Persian Gulf states institute in Washington.

The meeting was held with the attendance of Ali Alfoneh, senior fellow at the Persian Gulf states institute in Washington, Bessma Momani, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Mousavian and Hussein Ibish, senior resident fellow at the Persian Gulf states institute in Washington.

The rift between the Persian Gulf states and Iran came as a result of the US President Donald J. Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or nuclear deal, Mousavian said.

Referring to allegations made by participants regarding economic problems in Iran, Mousavian discussed the negative effects of the US sanctions on the Iranian economy, including on trade and banking.

He added that while the sanctions have been detrimental, the decline in the Iranian economy is primarily due to internal domestic issues such as corruption and mismanagement.

Elaborating on Iran regional politics in the future, particularly the relationship with Persian Gulf Littoral States, Mousavian said there is a need to create regional security cooperation between the Persian Gulf states and Iran.

He urged confidence building measures to begin a dialogue between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.