Iran working to 'charm' Arab world

CAIRO, Egypt — Iran has embarked on a charm offensive in the Arab world aimed at expanding economic and political ties and circumventing efforts by the United States and its allies to isolate it over its alleged program to develop nuclear weapons.

Last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad traveled to Kuwait, the first visit by a high-ranking Iranian official in more than 25 years. Other Iranian officials toured Persian Gulf states trying to persuade them to endorse Iran's desire to develop nuclear technology, which U.S. officials have called a cover for building weapons. In mid-February, Iran's deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, Mohammad-Reza Baqeri, met in Mecca with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal in a bid to persuade the Saudis to "coordinate" stands on regional issues, according to reports from Tehran.

Iran also moved to shore up its long alliance with Syria, itself a target of U.S.-led efforts to isolate it. Iran and Syria signed preferential trade agreements and announced plans to lay an oil pipeline between the two countries, although a key section would have to pass through turbulent Iraq. During a recent meeting with Iranian officials in Damascus, Syrian Prime Minister Naji al-Otari publicly endorsed Iran's assertion of rights to develop nuclear technology, albeit for "peaceful purposes."

Even in far away Tunisia, officials exchanged pledges to increase trade, flights and tourism between the two countries.

The activity coincides with Iran's verbal support for Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, which won a majority of seats the Palestinian parliament in January. Ahmadinejad has offered to fill gaps in the Palestinian Authority budget created by a withdrawal of international aid as Hamas takes over. Washington and European governments consider Hamas a terrorist organization that ought to be isolated unless it recognizes Israel and gives up violence.

Arab observers say Iran's diplomatic offensive represents a new, vigorous approach to improving relations with its neighbors. "Iran is trying to become a player in the region. At least toward the Arabs, Iran is trying to moderate its tone," said Maha Altorki, an Iran watcher in the Asia department of the Arab League, which is based in Cairo.