Iran-Oman military cooperation no threat to anyone: Khatami

TEHRAN, Aug 5 (AFP) - Iranian President Mohammad Khatami pledged on Wednesday that military cooperation between Iran and Oman posed no threat to other countries.

"The military cooperation between Iran and other countries in the region, notably Oman, only serves to bring peace and security to the region, especially the Strait of Hormuz," Khatami said.

"It is not against any third country," Tehran radio quoted the president as saying in talks with Oman's air force commander, General Mohammad Mahfuz ibn Saad al-Arezi.

A fifth of the world's oil is shipped through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Khatami said the Gulf was the "most sensitive of all strategic regions in the world and its security should be established by the region's countries."

Iran has sought to encourage Gulf Arab states to end the presence of US and allied forces in the region and opt for regional cooperation to ensure security.

The Omani general, who arrived Tuesday, said his country was "determined" to boost relations with the Islamic republic.

Iran and Oman have said they plan to strengthen military cooperation and may even stage joint maneuvers in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Iranian officials have called for similar cooperation with the other Gulf states.

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