On Sunday Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote an article in certain Arab newspapers in which he set out Iran’s policies for friendship with countries in the region and reducing foreign threats.

In his article the minister insisted on the need for strong relationship among neighbors, the need to establish a assembly for dialogue in the Persian Gulf region, an immediate ceasefire in Yemen as an example for regional unity, and establishing a a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

The article by the minister was a clever initiative which came after Iran and major powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) struck a nuclear deal and at time that the Middle East region is riddled with conflicts. The article showed that Tehran is seeking constructive interaction with its neighbors.

The proposal for establishment of a council for dialogue with the involvement of regional countries, though not something new, is unique in its kind. Certain changes in the political games in the region can be a springboard to realize this goal. The formation of the council in the volatile Middle East region can open a new horizon for cooperation.

Though it is too soon to air judgment about the full implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and the major powers, it has created a new a look in the mind of regional powers in the region and outside. This change of view can be a prelude for changing the mindset of other countries.

There is a historical vision that Iran and Saudi Arabia play a hegemonic role in the Middle East but the article by Zarif that Tehran is seeking friendship and brotherhood with its neighbors can do away with such mentality.

All countries in the region and outside have acknowledged that terrorism is their common enemy and to counter this threat entails new solutions that the first step of which is to change approaches and build trust among countries.

Based on the report by the Beirut-based Al-Akhbar newspaper that Syria’s intelligence chief had visited Saudi Arabia and the trilateral meeting of Qatar, the U.S. and Russia in Doha are indications of new political changes and new perspectives.

The article by Iran’s chief diplomat is extending hand of friendship with all countries that are fond of peace and security in the region and wish to create a new environment for regional union based on pure Islamic thoughts.

In fact Iran has prepared itself for a new era of relationship with countries in the region and beyond, with a focus on Islamic-oriented interaction with neighbors. It is sincerely trying to contribute to economic development in the region. And since the Islamic Republic is confident about its rising status it is also seeking to promote the status of its friends.