In exclusive comments to Doha News at the Doha Forum, Iran’s former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned that Israel’s actions are the central threat to the region and urged Middle Eastern countries to unite in response

Iran’s former foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has warned that Israel has become the central threat to regional stability and called on Middle Eastern countries to unite in response.

In comments to Doha News at the Doha Forum on Sunday, Zarif highlighted Israel’s intensified attacks across the Middle East over the past two years, targeting Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran and Qatar, raising urgent concerns about regional security and deepening humanitarian crises.

Zarif urged regional powers to work collectively against the real threat facing the region.

“I think it is important for us in the region to think about what is important for us,” he told Doha News. “We have seen in the last year who the threat to the region is. It has taken action against not only Iran but Qatar, Gaza, Lebanon, and even Syria.”

“So instead of confusing the real problem, we have a chance now in the region to see the real problem, to see how best we can cooperate with each other in order to address that real problem,” he said.

“And I think that gives us an excellent opportunity for the region to come together, to work with each other,” he added.

Zarif emphasised that collective regional action was the only effective response to ongoing aggression.

While no new initiatives were announced during the interview, Zarif reiterated Iran’s readiness to engage with regional partners.

“I am sure Iran is ready for that,” he said, signalling Tehran’s willingness to work with neighbouring states to counter the impact of Israeli aggression and pursue long-term regional stability.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. Despite a ceasefire, more than 300 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in recent weeks, and hospitals are operating far beyond capacity, struggling to treat the injured amid dangerously low supplies of essential medicines and medical equipment.

In Lebanon and Syria, civilians continue to endure insecurity and displacement as Israeli attacks and cross-border operations persist.