Adel al-Jubeir: We Must Prevent the Export of Iran's Revolution and Sectarianism

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, stated on Tuesday, April 21, that the image Iran seeks is a dark dream filled with the export of revolution, sectarianism, and support for terrorism, and it must be stopped. Al-Jubeir, who is visiting Paris with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, told reporters about his discussions regarding Iran: "France, Britain, and Germany agree with us that issues related to Iran's ballistic missile program and their activities in the region must be pursued. However, they do not agree with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel regarding the review of the JCPOA agreement." On January 22, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that either the "catastrophic flaws" of the JCPOA must be corrected, or he would not extend the suspension of U.S. sanctions in May. According to a U.S. congressional resolution, the government must report every 90 days on Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement reached in July 2015. The next report is due on May 12, corresponding to April 22. Al-Jubeir stated in Paris: "The agreement (JCPOA) has flaws and needs to be improved. I believe their (Europe's) position is that if you have reached an agreement, you should not negotiate it again. There are discussions among them on how to strengthen the agreement without eliminating it." Germany, Britain, and France are negotiating with the U.S. to explore the possibility of preserving this agreement. Informed diplomats told Reuters that the next round of negotiations is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Washington, but hopes for preserving the JCPOA are "weak." Iran and six world powers, including the U.S., Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany, reached an agreement in July 2015 regarding limitations or the end of various aspects of nuclear activities on one side, and the lifting of international sanctions against it on the other. Germany, Britain, and France even raised the issue of further sanctions against Iran in the European Union, which faced opposition from Austria, Italy, and Spain. Al-Jubeir stated, "The time for patience to prevent Iran's regional activities has run out," adding that he agrees with Donald Trump's idea that "not having an agreement is better than having a bad agreement." The Saudi Foreign Minister said, "There are two visions in the Middle East. One vision is light, which says reform the country... and another dark vision that says use sectarianism, export the revolution, and support terrorism... This is the model that the Iranians are pursuing." Al-Jubeir had previously criticized the JCPOA, stating that it is "full of flaws and defects." On the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron, after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said in a joint press conference that "both sides agreed on preventing Iran's expansionism in the Middle East." Macron also mentioned that a conference to enhance humanitarian aid to Yemen will be held soon. Saudi Arabia has formed a coalition for about three years to combat the Houthi militants in Yemen, who are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Heavy bombings in Yemen have made life difficult for civilians. Macron stated, "The strategic vision means reducing all political Islam expansionism that could strengthen other forms of terrorism and disrupt the region." The French President called on Saudi Arabia to respect "global humanitarian laws" regarding the situation of civilians in Yemen. During the three-day official visit of the Saudi delegation led by Mohammed bin Salman to France, the two sides signed contracts worth $18 billion. This cooperation and investment are in the fields of petrochemicals, drinking water networks, tourism, health, agriculture, and cultural activities.