Iranian Non-Aggression Initiative

The Iranian Non-Aggression Initiative was a diplomatic proposal introduced by Mohammad Javad Zarif and the Iranian government in 2019 with the aim of reducing military and security tensions in the Persian Gulf region amid escalating confrontation between Iran on one side and the United States, Israel, and the Arab Gulf states on the other, following the American withdrawal from the Iranian nuclear agreement. The initiative later evolved into a broader project known as the Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE).

The core principles of the initiative included:

• Signing non-aggression agreements between Iran and the Gulf states.
• Preventing foreign intervention in regional security affairs, particularly by the United States and Israel.
• Establishing regional collective security arrangements.
• Ensuring freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
• Reducing the likelihood of direct military conflict.

Background

Following the withdrawal of the United States from the Iranian nuclear agreement in 2018, the administration of Donald Trump imposed a “maximum pressure” policy on Iran through severe economic sanctions, restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

In response, Iran gradually reduced its commitments under the nuclear agreement, increased its military presence along the Gulf coastline, threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, and expanded support for members of the so-called “Axis of Resistance,” including Houthis in Yemen.

During 2019, the Gulf region witnessed attacks on oil tankers, maritime tensions, the downing of an American drone, and attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais. These developments prompted Iran to present itself as a proponent of “regional collective security” in contrast to what it described as a form of “new colonialism” represented by the American military presence in the region.

Announcement of the Initiative

On 26 May 2019, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced in Baghdad that Iran had proposed a “non-aggression pact” to the Gulf states. He stated that the proposal had been formally presented and emphasized that Iran was not seeking war and was prepared for dialogue with all neighboring countries. The announcement came during an official visit to Iraq and meetings with Iraqi officials.

Contents of the Initiative

The initiative included several strategic elements:

Military Non-Aggression

A mutual commitment between Iran and the Gulf states not to launch military attacks against one another, refrain from supporting armed groups against neighboring states, and avoid using national territory to threaten other countries.

Non-Interference

Iran emphasized respect for national sovereignty, rejection of interference in domestic affairs, and opposition to regime change by force.

Regional Self-Security

Tehran argued that Gulf security should be managed by the Gulf states themselves rather than through the United States or Western military alliances.

Maritime Security

The initiative stressed freedom of navigation, the protection of oil exports, and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Confidence-Building Measures

Proposals included security dialogue, maritime cooperation, information sharing, and measures aimed at reducing militarization.

Hormuz Peace Endeavor

In September 2019, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani presented a broader initiative at the United Nations under the name Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE). The proposal invited Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Iraq to establish a collective security framework in the Gulf region.

According to Iranian officials, the project was based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes, freedom of navigation, and energy security. Iran also argued that the United Nations could provide an “international umbrella” supporting the initiative.

Reactions

• Saudi Arabia: received the initiative with considerable caution, particularly following attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Saudi officials argued that Iran would first need to change its regional policies before political initiatives could be effective.
• United Arab Emirates: showed relative interest in de-escalation. The same period witnessed limited Emirati-Iranian security talks and a partial easing of tensions.
• Qatar: welcomed regional dialogue efforts.
• Kuwait & Oman: played mediating roles and received diplomatic messages from Zarif aimed at reducing tensions.

Diverging Perspectives

The initiative formed part of a broader Iranian attempt to reduce Gulf dependence on Washington and limit Western military presence in the region. Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states accused Iran of supporting armed non-state groups such as Ansar Allah, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

Conversely, the United States maintained that the policies of the Iranian government were among the primary obstacles to regional stability and Arab–Israeli peace.