Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Kuwait on Sunday to begin a three-nation regional tour aimed at deepening ties with Arab neighbours following the conclusion of the Islamic Republic’s historic nuclear deal with world powers.
Mr. Zarif received a red-carpet airport greeting from his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. He was expected to hold talks later with the ruling Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, who paid his first visit as head of state to Iran last year.
After Kuwait, Mr. Zarif is scheduled to visit Qatar and Iraq. Iranian state-linked media say he will brief officials in all three countries on the nuclear accord and discuss ways to improve cooperation and fight terrorism.
Iran shares control of a vast underwater natural gas field with Qatar, a wealthy nation rapidly being transformed by its hydrocarbon riches. In Iraq, Tehran has close ties with senior government leaders and Shia militia groups, and it is playing an active role in fighting Islamic State militants who have seized a third of the country.
Growing discord with another Gulf Arab state, the island nation of Bahrain, threatens to overshadow Mr. Zarif’s outreach effort.
Bahrain on Saturday announced it was recalling its ambassador to Iran for consultations following what it called “continued hostile statements made by Iranian officials towards Bahrain,” according to the official Bahrain News Agency. — AP
