According to a statement on the Iranian foreign minister’s official Telegram account, Araghchi made the remarks as he met with prominent figures and religious leaders in the capital, Tehran, Al Jazeera reports.

The top diplomat, referring to his country’s importance in regional security, said, “Regional security cannot be shaped through eliminating or ignoring Iran.”

He added: “The countries of the region have gradually come to the reality that sustainable security, economic development, and regional stability are only possible through cooperation, understanding, and consideration of the common interests of all countries in the region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

The top diplomat also stressed that the new security structure being shaped in the region requires the participation of all countries based on “collective cooperation”.