MNA � A number of countries are reviewing Iran�s peace initiative for the Persian Gulf, while three others have already responded positively to it, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Monday.

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi censured the idea of a US-led maritime coalition in the Persian Gulf, saying �we consider the presence and the role of foreign forces in our region as a cause for instability.�

�We have told our neighbors that security cannot be imported; rather, it must be obtained through collective cooperation among all concerned countries,� he added.

�All countries must have a part in providing security in the region, and Iran�s peace initiative, named Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE), seeks to realize this goal and promote security in the region,� Mousavi said, adding �we have announced that all countries can partake in the initiative and President Rouhani�s letter regarding the issue has been forwarded to all, namely the six Persian Gulf littoral states as well as Iraq.�

�We hope that they will cast aside their illusions and respond positively to our call for peace,� Mousavi stressed.

�Some countries have welcomed the initiative, while some are still reviewing it and three others have already responded positively,� the spokesman added.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani presented the Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE) initiative while delivering a speech at the recent UN General Assembly meeting and invited all regional countries to participate in it.

According to Foreign Minister Zarif, �The initiative is based on the fact that all regional countries are duty-bound to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Together with the international community, they have common interests in maintaining freedom of navigation and energy transfer.�

Iran�s initiative comes as the US has been trying to persuade its allies into a maritime coalition purportedly seeking to boost security in the Persian Gulf.