Iran’s deputy foreign minister says Iran plays a constructive role in the region and supports the countries in the region against terrorism.
In a statement that appears to have been a reaction to recent criticism from Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian said: “Unlike some countries that support terrorism, use it as a tool and toy with regional security, Iran strongly supports Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and the countries under threat of terrorism.”
IRNA reports that Amir Abdollahian went on to say: “We welcome good relations with Riyadh and we expect Saudi Arabia to play a constructive role in the region.”
The Iranian diplomat said his country expects the Saudis “to prevent the spread of war, terrorism and insecurity by adopting considered policies”.
In a statement released on Sunday May 31, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir accused Iran of interfering in regional affairs in such a manner that his country could not remain silent.
Iranian-Saudi relations have become increasingly tense since the crisis in Yemen has intensified. Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of supporting Houthis in Yemen, whom the Saudis and their allies are fighting against. Iran has called for all-inclusive talks, with the Houthis at the table, to resolve the Yemeni conflict.
