Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian recently expressed that the Middle East does not require an American "gendarme," a term used to describe a country that enforces order or security in a region. This statement was made during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India on Saturday, September 12. Pezeshkian's remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly over the control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade. During the meeting, Pezeshkian emphasized that the security and territorial integrity of the Middle East should be managed by the region's own countries rather than by external powers. He argued that the stability of the region can only be ensured by its primary actors—meaning the countries that are part of the region itself. This aligns with a broader sentiment among some Middle Eastern nations that seek to reduce foreign influence in their internal and external affairs. The comments reflect a growing desire among regional leaders to assert more autonomy in matters of security and foreign policy. This sentiment is especially notable in the context of Iran's long-standing rivalry with the United States, which has had significant implications for the region's geopolitical landscape. Further details on this development can be found on BFMTV.com.