Iran’s parliamentary speaker has said regional countries alone should determine the Middle Easts political and security order, rejecting external involvement and calling for expanded intra-regional cooperation, according to Reuters.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf made his remarks at a meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, as Iran and the US seek to conclude a lasting peace agreement.

His comments were broadcast on state television.