Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and current presidential advisor has proposed a new regional security framework for the Middle East in an English language article published in The Economist and Persian on Fararu on December 23, calling for the establishment of a "Muslim West Asian Dialogue Association" (MWADA) to "foster cooperation and stability" across the region.

Writing in an unofficial capacity rather than as a government representative following the fall of Tehran's ally Bashar al-Assad, Zarif, who often is given a platform in Western outlets, outlines a vision for transforming regional dynamics from confrontation to collaboration. "MWADA challenges us to reimagine the region not as a battleground but as a hub of MWADA, amity and empathy, characterised by the pursuit of shared opportunities and collective prosperity," he writes.

The proposed framework would include 14 Muslim-majority countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria's future government, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. United Nations representatives would also participate in the dialogue process.

Zarif emphasises immediate priorities, including establishing sustainable ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. "A non-aggression pact among MWADA states, coupled with collective regional monitoring, will help institutionalise stability and protect the region from external interference as well as from internal strife," he argues.

The proposal includes significant economic components, with Zarif calling for a MWADA Development Fund to finance infrastructure projects in conflict-affected areas. He highlights opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, noting "the vast untapped potential of the Iranian plateau and other terrains within the MWADA community suitable for solar and wind farms."

Addressing regional maritime security, the framework proposes joint patrols of crucial waterways. "Iran, given its location and security expertise, is uniquely positioned to contribute to the security of waterways like the Strait of Hormuz," Zarif writes, while suggesting other states could lead security efforts for the Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The proposal notably addresses Iran's relationship with regional resistance movements, with Zarif arguing against the "widely believed perception of Iran losing its arms in the region." He contends this view "stems from a wrong assumption that Iran has had proxy-patron relationships with resistance forces," stressing that resistance movements "existed before the Iranian revolution in 1979 and will continue as long as its root causes persist," in a discrete reference to Israel and its actions to neighbouring states.

Looking toward future regional stability, Zarif advocates for working toward a nuclear weapons-free zone and reviving the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). The framework would also prioritise cooperation on cultural exchanges, water management, counter-terrorism, and media campaigns promoting coexistence.

"A partnership between Iran and Saudi Arabia—two of the region's most influential powers—will play a crucial role," Zarif notes, suggesting such cooperation could help counter sectarian divisions that have historically destabilised the region.

"Transforming West Asia into a beacon of peace and collaboration is not just an idealistic aspiration," Zarif concludes in the Economist article which was also republished in Persian on several websites in Iran.

"It is both a strategic imperative and an achievable goal that requires only commitment, dialogue and a shared vision," in the late night commentary from the former foreign minister.