Experts urge Iran-Arab rapprochement for West Asia peace

Experts recently gathered at the Raisina Dialogue to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, particularly focusing on Iran's involvement in the region. The discussions were sparked by the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which intensified conflicts throughout West Asia. The panel emphasized the necessity of improving relationships between Iran and influential Arab countries to promote lasting peace. They noted that Iran is trying to strengthen ties within the Arab world, while also managing its connections with other global powers, including the United States and China. Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Sajjadpour, from Iran, expressed concern that Iran's statehood is becoming weaker. He argued that any attempts at regional or global dominance that overlook Iran's reality would fail. The discussions also touched on the significant impact of the Syrian civil war and how Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah has affected the lives of ordinary Syrians. Hind Kabawat highlighted the struggles faced by the Syrian people, blaming the use of proxies like Hezbollah for their suffering. Meanwhile, Maha Yahya pointed out that Iran's strategic influence has diminished, although it remains a key factor in regional dynamics. Vahan Kostanyan from Armenia mentioned how his country is often caught up in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of peace in the region. Indian MP Manish Tewari reiterated India's stance as a facilitator of peace, rather than taking sides. The panel concluded that while external actors like China and the European Union play roles in regional stability, there is a shared hope for improved relations and peace in West Asia. Kabawat stressed the need for open diplomacy in Syria, noting that changes are underway to create a more inclusive government. The discussions ended with a sense of optimism for future diplomatic efforts.