<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">On the second day of the "Tehran Dialogue Forum," the specialized panel "Paradigm Shift in the Persian Gulf" was dedicated to an in-depth examination of recent regional developments. Participants in this session, while scrutinizing the new conditions prevailing in the Persian Gulf region, specifically focused on the emerging perspectives among the littoral states of this region, and also discussed and analyzed the reasons and consequences of these ideational shifts.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Janice Blackcock: Iran and Saudi Arabia Are Moving Closer, a Rapprochement Impossible Without a Paradigm Shift.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Janice Blackcock, a Greek analyst, speaking at the "Paradigm Shift in the Persian Gulf" panel, introduced herself as an independent observer and expert on regional developments, commencing her remarks by emphasizing the clarity of this transformation: "I would initially like to underscore the transparency and objectivity of this paradigm shift – which you refer to as geopolitical changes – that has occurred in the region. In my opinion, this paradigmatic transformation, especially its transition from a sole focus on energy security towards ensuring comprehensive security, is a very positive development. A prime example is the trend of improving relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia – a rapprochement that would never have seemed possible without such a fundamental shift in outlook."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Greek analyst continued: "Saudi Arabia's new approach paved the way for elevating its relations with Iran to the current level. Of course, this paradigm shift was not solely confined to Saudi Arabia, as we have witnessed similar developments in Turkey and Iran as well. This transformation has led to a tangible change in Riyadh's foreign policy. For a better understanding, it suffices to compare Trump's first visit to the region with his latter one to perceive the significant differences."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">She added: "During that latter visit, we observed that Trump did not go to Israel. Instead, it appears the United States found new receptive interlocutors in the region, and its representative was shuttling between capitals such as Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi." Ms. Blackcock asserted: "In my belief, the region's current approach towards Iran has undergone a change, and the region is closer than ever to a comprehensive and inclusive agreement. This atmosphere allows us to collectively engage in dialogue, examine, and pursue our shared interests and concerns."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Floria Fantappiè: A Successful Experience Is the Achievement of Shared National Security for Regional Countries.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Floria Fantappiè, a member of the Department of Asian Studies at the University of Rome, began her remarks by noting the remarkable composition of the panel's participants, stating: "The presence of representatives from various countries in the region, such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Iran, signifies the importance of this dialogue." She then addressed the history of relations in the Persian Gulf: "In the past, we have witnessed certain disputes among the countries of this region, including over the naming of the 'Persian Gulf,' on which each country may hold its own particular perspective. However, regardless of such differences, our focus must be on strengthening bilateral relations between the governments and nations of the region – an endeavor achievable only through trust-building and an indispensable step."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">This expert on West Asian affairs emphasized the importance of collective security: "A successful experience is the attainment of shared national security for all countries in the region. Should such a successful model take shape among the countries of the Persian Gulf region, one can be increasingly hopeful for the realization of sustainable peace and stability through diplomacy."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ms. Fantappiè, recalling the role of extra-regional powers in regional conflicts, added: "It must be noted that existing challenges are not solely confined to intra-regional rivalries; major global actors also pursue their own distinct interests and competitions in this arena. Nevertheless, if a practical plan based on successful experiences of cooperation in the region exists, it can be extended to other domains as well, and ultimately, bring together all West Asian countries for dialogue and the achievement of comprehensive peace and stability."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Fareed Yasseen: Environmental Challenges, Especially Water Scarcity and Climate Change, Are Serious Threats to the Region.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Fareed Yasseen, a diplomat, former Iraqi Ambassador to Washington, and member of the "Iraq Research Institute," was the next speaker on the "Paradigm Shift in the Persian Gulf" panel. Acknowledging the historical sensitivities surrounding the naming of the Persian Gulf and the differing approaches of countries in this regard, he emphasized the necessity of a realistic understanding of issues and refraining from sloganeering. Yasseen, drawing on his experiences in Baghdad and Washington, highlighted the gap between common perceptions and on-the-ground realities in the region and underscored the need for comprehensive cooperation to overcome problems.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Iraqi diplomat, while praising Iran's decisive role in the fight against ISIS, noted: "Iran was the only country that came to Iraq's aid during that critical juncture." He then pointed to the region's latent potential for cooperation and the establishment of sustainable peace and security, recalling the pivotal role of Iran and Saudi Arabia in this path. Yasseen also, considering the region's rich historical background and unique geographical characteristics, stressed the necessity of taking these realities into account in any macro-level policymaking. He described environmental challenges, particularly the water scarcity crisis and climate change, as serious threats to the region's future and deemed the convergence of Persian Gulf littoral states into a unified bloc to counter these perils as vital.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">In concluding his remarks, Fareed Yasseen referred to the region's critical position as a global energy hub and the impact of its developments on global security. He called on all countries and governments in the Middle East to adopt a pragmatic yet hopeful approach, grounded in firm reality, and to dedicate special and continuous commitment to the necessity of close-knit regional cooperation to overcome shared challenges.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Abdulredha Al-Assiri: Kuwait Has Focused on Development, Human Development, and Various Reconstruction Efforts.</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Continuing the panel, Abdulredha Al-Assiri, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University, elaborated on Kuwait's historical role by highlighting his country's pioneering initiative in establishing the first sovereign wealth fund in the region: "Despite vicissitudes, Kuwait has always successfully navigated its path in the region and the Arab world. To date, the country has acted as a mediator in 69 instances and has been influential in resolving regional challenges, including its constructive efforts to improve Bahrain-Iran relations. Indeed, it was after the Iraqi invasion that Kuwait, with firm determination, resolutely undertook the task of reconstruction and reparation for the damages incurred."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Al-Assiri added: "Over many years, Kuwait has provided financial assistance to numerous countries; to the extent that even China, as an emerging economic power, requested financial aid from Kuwait at one point. Kuwait's primary focus has consistently been on comprehensive development, particularly human development, and participation in various reconstruction projects, including in Iraq and Syria, playing an active role in these areas."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">He then pointed to the change in his country's position: "However, recent regional developments have caused Kuwait to somewhat step back from the central and pioneering role it played in the arena of mediation in past decades. But fortunately, today we witness friendly and brotherly countries like Qatar and Oman very capably undertaking this sensitive role and the responsibility of a trusted mediator at the regional and global levels – a matter that is a source of pride and honor for the Arab world."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Al-Assiri concluded by referring to his country's presence at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, stating: "In the past, perhaps we, as Kuwait, felt isolated in some such forums, but today we also witness the active presence of countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. This indicates that doors have opened for broader cooperation, and the nature of such conferences is also evolving."</p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"> </p>