Saudi Arabia denies it initiated rapprochement with Iran
Al Jubeir: Riyadh rules out talks on Yemen with Iran until it ceases arming Al Houthis
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Wednesday dismissed as “inaccurate” an Iranian claim that it had sent to Tehran rapprochement missives.
In recent months, tensions have mounted between Riyadh and Tehran after a recent attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed on Iran.
“What a spokesman for the Iranian regime said that the kingdom had sent messages to the Iranian regime is inaccurate,” Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir said in a series of tweets.
“What happened is that some sisterly countries sought calmness and we informed them that the kingdom’s stance always seeks security and stability in the region,” he added.
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of destabilising the Gulf region and meddling in Arab affairs.
“Stop your support for terrorism and policies of chaos and destruction,” Al Jubeir said, addressing Iran.
“Act as a normal country, not a rogue and a terror-sponsoring state.”
He ruled out any possible talk on Yemen with Iran that is illegally arming Al Houthi militants in the impoverished country.
“Yemen is an issue for all Yemenis. The cause of Yemen’s crisis is the destabilising Iran role that hampers political efforts there,” the Saudi official said.
Al Houthis, who toppled a Saudi-backed government in Yemen in late 2014, claimed responsibility for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil installations. But Saudi Arabia and the US said Iran stood behind the attack that disrupted the kingdom’s oil production.