Rouhani: Iran 'ready' to talk to Arab neighbours

President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday said Iran is ready to discuss regional security issues with its Arab neighbours as long as foreign powers are kept out of any potential talks.

"We don't need foreigners to guarantee the security of our region," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast on state television.

"When it comes to regional security arrangements, we are ready to talk to our neighbours and friends, without the presence of foreigners," he added.

"We are, have been and always will be good neighbours," Rouhani said, addressing Arab countries including Iran's regional rival Saudi Arabia.

Rouhani was speaking in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas overlooking the Persian Gulf - a flashpoint of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The two powers, who severed diplomatic ties in January 2016, have taken opposing sides in wars in Syria and Yemen.

In Yemen, a Saudi-led coalition has been bombing since 2015 Iran-backed Houthi rebels opposed to the internationally recognised government.

Western powers and their Arab allies say Iran is a destabilising influence in the Middle East.

Tehran, however, has regularly called for dialogue with its neighbours free of any foreign interference.