Manouchehr Khabibi, the governor-general of Kermanshah province in Iran, noted that Iran and Iraq can deepen cooperation in the field of shared Sasanian heritage sites. This is possible through joint cultural and tourism projects related to the proposed Sasanian historical route, which extends from western Iran to eastern Iraq.
Khabibi made these statements on Wednesday in Kermanshah during a meeting with Farhad Azizi, the director general of national and World Heritage sites of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran. He emphasized that this route includes significant historical places, such as the Anahita Temple, Taq-e Bostan, and Sasanian monuments in Kasr-e Shirin, which continue towards Hanakin in Iraq.
The governor stated that Kermanshah and Diyala, in addition to existing cooperation on Arbaeen and religious programs, are capable of developing joint initiatives in the fields of tourism and cultural heritage. He specified that the historical continuation of the Sasanian path from Kasr-e Shirin to Hanakin creates a suitable basis for such interaction.
Khabibi reported that officials from Diyala province in Iraq had previously expressed interest in implementing joint projects with Kermanshah during his recent visit to Iraq. He added that presenting these historical sites as a single corridor could strengthen heritage protection, support tourism development, and increase the flow of both domestic and international visitors.
The governor noted that preparation for including the route in the World Heritage list must be carried out within a coordinated program. He stressed that the necessary historical and cultural infrastructure already exists and does not require starting the project from scratch. In this regard, the creation of a special working group was announced to oversee the organization and registration of the Sasanian route on the World Heritage list. This group will include representatives from the governor's office, the provincial cultural heritage department, local governors, mayors, and other relevant agencies.
Khabibi indicated that the first meeting of the group should take place as soon as possible to define responsibilities, study stages, funding requirements, and implementation schedules. The Sasanian period holds a central place in Iranian history, as its architecture and urban planning influenced subsequent Islamic artistic and architectural traditions. It is worth noting that in 2018, UNESCO inscribed the Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars Province in southern Iran onto the World Heritage List, which includes eight archaeological sites in the areas of Firuzabad, Bishapur, and Sarvestan.
The Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman stated that Oman welcomes broader interaction with Iran in the field of museum management and highly appreciates the skill of Iranian architects and restorers in preserving the Sultanate's historical monuments.
These comments were made during a meeting in Muscat between the Iranian Ambassador to Oman, Mousa Farhang, and the Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Said Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi. Information about this meeting was published by the Islamic Organization for Culture and Relations of Iran.
Mousa Farhang reported that Iran is ready to share its experience in restoring ancient buildings, stone monuments, inscriptions, and archaeological artifacts. Furthermore, Iran is prepared to train specialists and send experts to Oman to participate in cultural heritage preservation and museum cooperation projects.
Al Busaidi noted that the Omani ministry aims to move cooperation beyond memorandums of understanding and transition to implementing practical projects. He emphasized that the preservation of cultural heritage is a key state policy of Oman, and the country is ready to sign cooperation agreements with Iran, especially concerning the restoration of historical sites.
The Minister added: 'We welcome expanding cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran in museum management and are ready to utilize Iran's valuable experience in various fields, especially in the restoration of historical monuments.'
The parties discussed issues of cultural heritage, tourism, museums, and the exchange of specialized delegations. Al Busaidi pointed out that the historical and cultural ties between Oman and Iran create a solid foundation for developing joint initiatives.
Farhang noted that the level of cultural interaction does not yet match the level of political and economic relations between Tehran and Muscat. He drew attention to the common maritime heritage, traditional architecture, music, crafts, and historical ties between Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas, Hormuz, and Kisham, and the coasts of Oman.
The Iranian Ambassador mentioned that approximately 100,000 Omani citizens visit Iran annually, many of whom travel to the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, while others travel for medical or tourist reasons. Al Busaidi also stated that Oman will facilitate the participation of the private sector in Iranian tourism exhibitions and events. He added that dozens of foreign archaeological missions from international universities operate in Oman every year, which opens opportunities for joint archaeological excavations, restoration work, and documentation of cultural heritage with the involvement of Iranian specialists.
High-ranking officials from the defense ministries of Iran and Turkey held phone talks where they stressed the need to enhance regional security cooperation and expand bilateral defense ties. They discussed the general situation in the region, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, and the necessity for closer coordination among regional powers.
According to an Iranian report, Iran's Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Majid Ibn al-Reza, stated that Tehran accepted the ceasefire framework at the request of friendly and neighboring countries, aiming to contribute to regional stability. Nevertheless, he expressed doubt regarding Washington's commitment to this agreement, citing the long history of the United States failing to uphold its commitments.
The head of the Iranian defense establishment emphasized that the country's armed forces are ready to respond proportionally to any violation of the ceasefire regime, while affirming Tehran's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Speaking about broader regional events, Ibn al-Reza accused Israel of promoting destabilizing policies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, asserting that continued US support contributed to these actions.
He called on Islamic states to strengthen political unity and practical coordination on security matters in response to growing regional challenges. Furthermore, Ibn al-Reza revived Iran's proposal for the creation of a 'Union for the Security of the Islamic World,' which would unite regional powers including Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. In the Iranian minister's view, recent conflicts highlighted the need for regional countries to take primary responsibility for their own security, warning that the presence of external military forces has fostered mistrust and instability.
The Iranian minister also cautioned against 'Israeli plans to create so-called security zones in Syria and Lebanon,' noting that such measures could provoke wider regional instability. He also expressed concern over recent US statements regarding the possibility of opening a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon, warning that such events could further escalate tensions. Ibn al-Reza reiterated Iran's long-standing position that security in the Persian Gulf must be ensured by the coastal states of the region, as dependence on external forces cannot guarantee sustainable stability. He confirmed Tehran's readiness to continue consultations with Turkey and other regional partners to advance long-term agreements on regional security.
For his part, Turkish Minister of Defense Yaşar Güler affirmed Ankara's support for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. He stressed that long-term regional security is only possible through dialogue, cooperation, and regional responsibility, and also confirmed Turkey's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states. The Turkish Minister of Defense also expressed Ankara's willingness to expand cooperation with Iran in areas such as counter-terrorism, border security, and broader regional issues, insisting that closer coordination between countries in the region remains the most effective path to reducing tensions, combating terrorism, and promoting long-term peace and stability.
