Tehran wants to establish close ties with Middle Eastern countries: Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday that Tehran wanted to establish close ties with all countries in the Middle East, where Iran has been involved in proxy wars with Saudi Arabia for decades.

"Iran is ready to work with regional states to preserve security in the Middle East ... Our enemies, America and Israel, want to create division among Iranians ... We will not succumb to pressure from America and Israel," Rouhani said in a public speech in southern Iran, broadcast live on state TV.